Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 5, 1994 TAG: 9405050165
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By CAMERON HUDDLESTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to give $50,000 to the park. Money for Explore was not part of City Manager Bob Herbert's budget proposal.
Explore staffers were caught by surprise when Mayor David Bowers told them about the grant.
``We had no idea the city was that close to making a decision,'' said park Director Rupert Cutler. ``We're happy the city was finally willing to buy in.''
The 1,300-acre park, which aims to re-create life on the Appalachian frontier, had asked City Council for $100,000 but had not expected to receive anything. Over the years, City Council had ignored the park's requests for funds. But in December, the mayor started pressing the council for money for Explore.
Herbert said his budget proposal did not include money for Explore, to encourage council members and the community to look at the broader question of how to pay for human service and economic needs in the valley. Because no money for the park was budgeted, the community's attention was drawn to what Herbert called ``the bigger issue'' of regional responsibility.
``It's a giant step forward for Roanoke to step forward on a regional project like that,'' Herbert said.
In the past, Bowers and other city officials have criticized Roanoke County for not contributing its "fair share" to cultural organizations and social programs located in the city. In return, county leaders have been upset that the city hasn't financially supported Explore, located just three miles beyond the city limits in Roanoke County.
Bowers suggested Wednesday he was changing his approach and will now encourage the city to "set the example" and then wait to see whether other valley governments follow suit.
"Instead of rapping someone for not doing what we think should be done, we're setting down the challenge to Roanoke: We will be the first in regionalism, the first in cooperation, the first in valley responsibility," Bowers said.
``This grant is more than just a symbolic manifestation of the challenge,'' he said.
But Cutler said even the symbolism is important. The grant represents a new relationship with local governments.
``The grant can put flesh on the bones of [the city's] rhetoric about creating a regular partnership,'' he said.
Bowers said he was changing his approach toward Explore and other regional projects after hearing from citizens who voiced "general" concerns about the city's complaints about the county.
He predicted the city's grant to Explore won't be the only move Roanoke makes to improve its relations with Roanoke County. "It's the first of many," he said.
Bowers also admitted to another symbolic reason why the city was inclined to contribute to Explore now. The park opens on a part-time basis in July, and "the city of Roanoke wants to be there on the platform at the opening," he said.
The park will see the first of the grant next week. The council will meet Monday to appropriate $25,000 to be used for the remainder of the 1993-94 fiscal year. The park will receive another $25,000 July 1 for the 1994-95 fiscal year.
Once the city issues the grant, the state will provide a matching amount.
Money for the grant will be taken from the city's snow removal fund, which wasn't depleted this year. The grant is part of a package that included a $50,000 grant for the Science Museum of Western Virginia.
Council members Delvis "Mac" McCadden and James Harvey voted against the package.
by CNB