An architect’s rendering of what the front of the facility may look like.

The YMCA of Washington County is currently raising funds for a new $10.8 million facility to be constructed in Washington and they recently asked the Washington County Board of Supervisors to increase their gift to the project. Last month, Y director Becky Harkema explained they are seeking a $1.5 million Vision Iowa grant and asked the supervisors to increase their contribution from $10,000 to $50,000. At yesterday’s supervisors’ meeting she thanked the supervisors for their consideration.

The supervisors shared they had not heard many positive comments regarding a potential increase. Supervisor Jack Seward said he is not in favor of the need to increase the funds from the county to qualify for a Vision Iowa grant and likened it to extortion or ransom. The supervisors voted unanimously to keep their contribution at $10,000.

Approximately $6 million has been raised for the project so far and Harkema is meeting with Vision Iowa today.