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1111 <br /> To: Elk River EDA <br /> Subject: Construction of a paddle wheeler barge replica at the base of the vacant lot located <br /> at Main Street and Jackson <br /> Project: A Committee of the Elk River Rotary Club proposes the construction of a replica <br /> of an 1860 paddle wheeler barge. The proposed size will be 48 feet by 20 feet <br /> located above the Mississippi River in Downtown Elk River. <br /> Purpose of <br /> Project: It is the purpose of this project to create an example of the Elk River heritage and <br /> to promote excitement and enthusiasm for the Elk River Downtown and to spark <br /> the creation of an identity for the City of Elk River, an identity that has some <br /> history and heritage, an identity that can create pride and passion for the citizens <br /> of Elk River an identity that can act as a tourist attraction. This project will also <br /> be the beginning step in the community's recognition of the beauty and the value <br /> of the Mississippi River. <br /> It is contemplated that the barge replica will also be used as a performance stage <br /> for musical, dance, and thespian groups. This last summer,this same area along <br /> • the river was used as a performance area in connection with the Art Soup Art <br /> Festival. Many fine groups performed and many people enjoyed sitting on the <br /> slope watching the performance and noting the beauty of the river in the <br /> background. This stage is expected to be the setting for numerous community <br /> concerts,picnics, and presentations. <br /> It is expected that this paddle wheeler replica will augment the river walk <br /> boardwalk that has been planned for the downtown area. <br /> COST: It is presently estimated that the cost of this structure will be between twenty-five <br /> and thirty thousand dollars. It is proposed that the Elk River Rotary Club will <br /> undertake fundraisers to recapture the cost of construction and provisioning this <br /> barge. We would propose that the City of Elk River, through the EDA or HRA, <br /> bankroll this project on the front end. One of our fund-raisers contemplates the <br /> creation of an artistic rendering of the view after it has been constructed and the <br /> selling of numbered prints. We would also expect that this structure will augment <br /> the beauty of the artisan fountain now located on the property and that the <br /> fountain would be designated as a wishing well that could also help in recapturing <br /> the costs of construction. <br /> • <br />