POULSBO — The check that was in the mail has now arrived, and city officials are hopeful the Poulsbo Marine Science Foundation will use it wisely — and quickly.
With all of the necessary paperwork completed, the city council opened the doors to the center Oct. 4, allowing the foundation to begin using the $250,000 grant to reopen the Marine Science Center, which the city received during the 2006 legislative session.
“This money will be used for outreach programs and boat cruises to lead us into Phase II,†said PMSF President Rear Admiral Bruce Harlow (Ret.), adding that initially such outreach will occur in the North Kitsap School District.
As far as the funds go, the agreement with the state allows $100,000 to be used for capital improvements, including exhibits, he said. The remainder can be used for operational expenses.
“I’m confident with it,†Harlow said of the agreement.
Mayor Kathryn Quade said with the money in hand, time is of the essence as supporters of the MSC attempt to breathe new life into the center, which closed in February 2005 following years of financial duress.
“They need to move forward quickly,†Quade said, noting that less than three months remain before the state Legislature opens its 2007 session.
The foundation needs to have something to show legislators before then so its members can muster support in Olympia, she said.
“As the city, we’re going to help as needed, but they have to get something done,†Quade said.
Even though $250,000 is available for the foundation to use in its efforts to reopen the center, the money isn’t all ready at once, said Finance Director Nanci Lien.
Much like it does with other state grants, Poulsbo will reimburse the foundation for its expenses through the state grant, Lien said, explaining that the PMSF will submit invoices to the city, and the city will then pay the vendors.
Whether all the money comes at once or in pieces, Harlow said the public isn’t likely to see any type of event at the Poulsbo Marine Science Center until sometime in November.
