Federal grant sought for Clancy Richard Arena retrofit with big pricetag

The Town of St. Paul is hoping round two will be more successful in their aspirations of using federal dollars to retro-fit the Clancy Richard Arena. 

There are a series of upgrades needed for the Clancy, including an aging ice plant with a known brine leak, a slab floor that has met and passed its 50 year lifespan and extensive building code violations. 

With millions in needed repairs, they are looking for government money to help. 

The first go round a couple years ago was unsuccessful towards the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Federal Funding program grant. 

“We weren’t successful in the last run. Instead of just enveloping the paper, what can we do better to put us in a better standing to get that federal grant?” said Mayor Maureen Miller on The Morning After.  

“With that came some opportunities to maybe engage with some vertical solar, some possibly some covered solar parking. The whole idea is to reduce the operating.”  

Associated Engineering is working with the Town to try and find ways for the St. Paul bid to be more attractive. 

According to Town notes, one of the more notable changes include reducing the greenhouse gases by offsetting the electricity used with a ground mounted solar array capable of producing 135-149KW. 

This, plus becoming more inclusive for all users, and code compliant to today’s building codes, are the goals of the grant application. 

“We do qualify, it’s just they only have a limited amount of money. And I would say we are quite aggressive in applying for any of those grants, because the money is going somewhere,” said Miller. 

With all the stipulations and cost sharing of the work, if successful, the Town of St. Paul would potentially be on the hook for $4.1 million dollars toward the project. This being made up of $500,000 (secured funding) and a $3.6 million dollar debenture.  

“It isn’t new and shiny, but it has its purpose, and if we can extend those lifespans, then it’s better for us all.”

The Morning After with Maureen Miller