Grant will depend upon community’s involvement

The City of Oswego plans to submit a Small Communities Improvement Program (SCIP) grant application on Dec. 4  for the purpose of receiving funds to make the unfinished ball fields north of the high school playable.
SCIP grants, which can be for a maximum of $125,000 and do not have to be repaid, are offered through Kansas Department of Commerce to improve the quality of life in rural communities with populations less than 5,000 that are not eligible to receive assistance from other programs with the Department of Commerce.
SCIP is designed to help communities help themselves through sweat equity and volunteerism at the local level. The City is working with an engineer to develop a plan to get the fields behind the high school playable, while allowing for future improvements as funds become available.
To qualify for the grant, at least 40 percent of the normal construction costs for the SCIP project must be in the form of community donated labor, equipment and materials. Community involvement is crucial. For Oswego’s application to be seriously considered for selection, the ability of our community to make the project happen through donations of time, money and materials, and the overwhelming support for the plan by Oswego citizens must be proven.
There are currently no grant programs being offered by the State or Federal government to provide the funding for work needed at the ball fields except for the SCIP grant. City leaders were made aware of the SCIP grant in a presentation by Barbara Chalker from the Rural Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce on March 31, 2009.
In June, city leaders and volunteers determined that the SCIP self-help solution might be the only way the fields could be made playable. This resulted in the formation of a “Core Committee” of community leaders and volunteers and planning meetings for the project began.
In July, when the 2010 SCIP Application and Guidelines were received, the Core Committee, city staff and grant writer Bob Hosack began working on the requirements.
Oswego needs the SCIP grant to get the ball fields playable for the 2011 season. In the days from now until the application is submitted on Dec. 4, Oswego must rally together and demonstrate community support.
There will be a public meeting at the new community center mid-September. to discuss the plan for the ball fields and the types of volunteers needed, including earth moving, storm drain laying, placing and raking infields, re-positioning of sprinklers, fencing, time keeping, providing meals for volunteers on work days, etc. There will be a sign-up sheet at the meeting for those who will rise to this challenge and pledge their talents and/or resources.
Residents are encouraged that if you want to see the youth playing on the ball fields at the high school, attend this very important meeting and show your support.