The project to build a new community center in Kalona was given a large boon Wednesday night. At the Washington County Riverboat Foundation grant distribution, the last award of the night was given to the City of Kalona. At $300,000 it also happened to be the largest grant of the night. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says everyone leaves the banquet with a smile on their face and the City of Kalona was no different. He felt fortunate the foundation thought enough of their project to fund it as much as they did.

Recently voters in Kalona approved the borrowing of up to $3.9 million towards the estimated $4.5 million project. The city has been working on solidifying the financing, and Schlabaugh explains two local banks, CBI Bank & Trust and Hills Bank & Trust, have presented to the city council that they would like to partner to provide financing for the project.

The estimated construction will take eight to 12 months and Schlabaugh is hopeful it can begin in October or November. A completion date sometime during the latter part of next year is their desired target.