(BENTON, Ky.)-Marshall County officials are actively seeking grant funding to breathe new life into their shuttered senior citizens center, with renovation costs projected to exceed $1 million.
The Marshall County Fiscal Court received an update Tuesday from Kyle Rodgers, a representative from the Purchase Area Development District, regarding the county’s efforts to secure financing for the ambitious rehabilitation project.
Currently, seniors maintain their social connections through weekly gatherings every Wednesday at the Joe Creason Community Building in H.H. Lovett Park in Benton.
Multi-Pronged Funding Strategy
County officials have developed a comprehensive approach to financing the renovation. The primary funding source involves an $850,000 Community Development Block Grant application, with a September 2 deadline. Following that submission, the county plans to pursue an additional $85,000 through the GRANTS program, which provides supplemental funding equal to 10% of the CDBG award.
Marshall County Judge Executive Kevin Spraggs has also engaged state legislators, including Senator Danny Carroll and Representative Chris Freeland, who have committed to requesting state budget allocations for the project.
Extensive Renovation Plans
The proposed improvements represent a comprehensive overhaul of the existing facility. Plans include installing a commercial-grade kitchen, updating restrooms to meet ADA compliance standards, repairing the roof, modernizing heating and cooling systems, and upgrading lighting and interior finishes.
Engineers have provided cost estimates ranging from approximately $1.085 million to $1.42 million for the complete renovation. Under the grant application terms, the county has agreed to cover any costs exceeding the awarded funding, with maximum county responsibility estimated at just under $485,000.
Surplus occupational tax funds could be a potential source for covering the county’s portion, though implementing this solution would require a budget amendment and court approval. The fiscal court unanimously agreed to take on this financial responsibility.
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