LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council on Tuesday approved a grant application to the state that, if successful, would pay for replacing the two remaining bathroom units at Library Park.
Public Works Director Doug Grider asked the council to approve a proposed resolution to submit the grant application to the state Division of Boating and Waterways.
The $184,073 grant is to replace the restrooms at the First and Third street boat ramp facilities, Grider said.
Grider credited one of his staffers, Parks Foreman Ron Ladd, with finding the grant, which would fund the project 100-percent, with no requirement for a city match. Such grants, Grider noted, are rare.
In addition to tracking down the grant, Grider said Ladd compiled the necessary information for the application and also put together the grant application in the state’s grant portal.
Grider said the restrooms at Third and Fifth streets are the last two in Library Park that are in desperate need of being replaced.
He said the city hasn’t applied to the Division of Boating and Waterways for grants in some time, which will give the city extra points in this process.
“Ron put together a really good package,” Grider said.
Mayor George Spurr asked when the city could expect a response. Ladd said no timeline for a response is listed but it’s a highly competitive grant and the state is not sure how many applications it will get.
Councilman Kenny Parlet asked what kind of pool of money is available for the grant. Ladd said it’s $3 milion.
Early last year, the city received a $35,000 grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, for oil spill response equipment, which Ladd also had found, as Lake County News has reported.
Ladd followed up by receiving an Emergency Management Specialist Training Certificate.
Councilwoman Stacey Mattina said Ladd went above and beyond in finding the grant.
“Work like that is what makes the city great,” she said.
Spurr jokingly asked Ladd if he would want his name above the bathroom door if they got the grant.
“Absolutely,” Ladd replied.
The council voted unanimously to pursue the grant.
Later, as council members were offering their final wrap up comments, Councilman Tim Barnes lauded Ladd’s efforts.
“Ron is a rock star. That is all,” said Barnes.
Parlet said he agreed with Barnes.
“All right,” Ladd said.
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City of Lakeport to pursue grant for Library Park bathroom improvements
- Elizabeth Larson
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