tamatoledonews.com – GRINNELL (SPECIAL) – The Spaulding Center for Transportation announces completion of the initial funding required for Phase One construction of the Iowa Transportation Museum (ITM), with construction scheduled to start this summer.

At the Grinnell City Council meeting on June 7, ITM Board President Gerry Schnepf announced financing has been secured for the $3.5-million Phase One construction program, restoring and modernizing a portion of the historic Spaulding Automotive Manufacturing site in Grinnell.

A bid letting is planned for July, with construction starting in late summer or early fall of 2010. “Once construction is started, we can expect completion of Phase One in approximately 14 months,” reported Schnepf. Announcement of a ground-breaking schedule and ceremony will be forthcoming.

Schnepf and ITM Executive Director Chuck Brooke indicated that, “Without the support of the city of Grinnell, federal and state grants (particularly the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs), and private donations the project would not be on its way to reality. Also, countless time and effort donated by ITM board members, advisors and other volunteers, has played an important part in making it happen.”

The ITM board is deeply indebted to Chuck Brooke and Sue Hiner, along with many others in Grinnell, for the commitment to this project. The ITM board is also appreciative of the assistance of Grinnell State Bank and Midwest One Bank of Iowa City.

Schnepf said, “Although we are launching Phase One construction, we will continue to be aggressive in fund raising and applying for grants to be positioned to start Phase Two construction after Phase One is completed. With work commencing on Phase One, Iowa’s transportation industries, organizations and individuals will have the opportunity to lead the way in establishing this educational facility and its programs to serve all Iowans and visitors to the state.

Mayor Gordon Canfield said, “The city of Grinnell recognized early the potential benefits the museum would provide to the city; and because of that, made a $1million pledge to the Phase One project payable over 10 years, with funding being obtained through its hotel/motel tax.”

An important part of the ITM already in operation is the Transportation Heroes program. It can be found online at www.transportationheroes.org/ <b.sitbok.purlsmail.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1276611688056&StID=25681&SID=0&NID=535407&EmID=75427116&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50cmFuc3BvcnRhdGlvbmhlcm9lcy5vcmcv&token=c92db14b0fdb15eaaf60bc1bbc73895329e422ea> . In May 2009, the first group of transportation heroes was inducted into the program at a ceremony held at the Grinnell High School auditorium. This fall the annual induction will again be held in the school auditorium. Schnepf said, “The opening of the museum with an area allocated for and dedicated to the transportation heroes will tie the total project together.”