Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Coal Board Fully Funds School Grant ADA Phase II

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Jim Atchison present to the Coal Board on September 12, 2019
The Montana Coal Board approved a grant for $271, 303.00 on September 12, 2019 for access issues in the upper parking lot at Colstrip High School. This is the second grant the District was able to secure to offset the large deferred maintenance list totaling over $5.2 million. The prior Coal Board grant that was received in June 2019 was for $473,550.00.

Special thanks to the effort of the administration and board in the development and application of this grant. Bruce Brown, Brent Burton, Jim Atchison, Jody Williams, Rob Pontius, Tyler Busch and I presented in behalf of the application to address the following access issues from the upper parking lot to gymnasium: 1) handicap curb cuts at the upper parking lot to allow access to the building; 2) installation of a ramp from the entrance vestibule to the upper gymnasium level; 3) renovation of a storage area into a handicap accessible bathroom on the upper level of the gymnasium; 4) installation of a new upper level handrail and 5) the replacement of the upper parking doors into the vestibule and pool.

Too many times I have had people confined to wheelchairs apologize to me for taking the time to find them a place to watch a ballgame, graduation or some other type of activity in our school gym. This project will give them a bird's eye view of any gymnasium event from the mezzanine to the floor. The mezzanine access will be much to the liking of the Billings Metra. Our goal is to provide as much independent access as possible to allow folks in a wheelchair or walker access without having to ask for help. These people deserve the opportunity to attend events without apology or feeling like their attendance is dependent on others. This grant is so important on so many levels (literally).

Once again, this effort began last winter with community strategic planning meetings and has continued with a maintenance of effort by the board, administration and community. It is exhilarating seeing this type of support for Colstrip. Its a fist pump and cheer for our community.

Special thanks to the Coal Board and it's membership for their support and vision in seeing the value of the projects that have been presented to them on behalf of Colstrip Public Schools. The Coal Board is 100% funded by Montana coal severance tax. With that, I would humbly ask our community to thank the Coal Board Members for their support.



GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"







John Williams, Chair
Colstrip, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
john.williams@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 - January 1, 2021
Sidney Fitzpatrick, Vice Chair
Hardin, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
sidney.fitzpatrick@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 to January 1, 2021
Sean Smith
Anaconda, MT
District 1
Field: Business

Term: May 31, 2019 to January 1, 2021




Marianne Roose
Eureka, MT
District 1
Field: Public Administration
marianne.roose@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023
Tim Schaff
Roundup, MT
District 2
Field: Education
tim.schaff@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023




Amber Henning
Missoula, MT
District 1
Field: Attorney
amber.henning@mt.gov
Term: January 26, 2018 to January 1, 2021
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)