Culbertson moves forward with pool bathhouse LWCF grant application and local match commitment

Culbertson — The Culbertson Town Council authorized submission of a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application and committed local matching funds for a proposed swimming pool bathhouse renovation.

On March 14 council approved Resolution #499 authorizing the LWCF application and asked for a Letter of Commitment from the town guaranteeing the required 1:1 local match. Council members and community supporters said the project is primarily for local benefit and noted increased construction costs since the project's initial estimates.

The Women's Club has been a major fundraising partner; meeting materials show the group had raised $169,665.54 toward the effort by April. The town budgeted $79,927.46 in the general fund for FY2022-23 as a potential local contribution if the grant is awarded. Meeting discussion identified an $80,000 town budget allocation as part of next year's plan if necessary.

Council discussed alternatives if federal or state grant cycles are delayed, including forming a special improvement district, issuing bonds, or reducing other budget items to cover the match. Town engineer Jeremy Fadness and state contacts were cited on grant timing and historic-preservation review steps; the LWCF program manager flagged that the building is over 50 years old and may require evaluation for the National Register prior to demolition.

Next steps: The town will maintain fundraising and move forward with planning documents; if LWCF opens a cycle and the application is successful the town will provide matching funds as committed in the resolution approved by the council.