WECRD's 2011 Appropriations Application Filed February 10, 2010

Amount desired in FY (fiscal year) 2011. $1,500,000

Total project cost: $4,100,000

Description of project: "This multi-use family recreation facility developed by the WECRD will serve 50,000 people within 8,000 square miles. Centrally located among 8 rural communities and the Mountain Home Air Force Base, the facility will provide much needed recreation/therapy opportunities and improve the wuality of life for the diverse population which includes an Air Force contingent from Singapore, 15,00 veterans and active duty personnel, and approximately 300 Disabled Vetersans who live in Elmore County."

BRIEF description of project: "The WECRD will build a sustainable recreation facility in an under served military/rural community."

Please describe the purpose of the project, project goals and why project is needed: "The purpose of the project is to build an affordable, accessible recreation facility for the 50,00 residents of Elmore County and surrounding communities. This facility will serve as the nucleus to coordinate agencies and organizations that provide the educational, physical and cultural services for our very diverse rural/military community."

"Success will be measured through the census of daily and weekly use as well as the number of ongoing memberships. Caldwell, a neighboring community, has seen a dramatic drop in teen crime rate since building the YMCA. We will follow their method of evaluating. The American Heart Association sites increased evidence that dietary intervention and exercise reduce risk factors. A coordination of the local medical services information can help monitor these results."

What is the significance of this project in Idaho? "Mountain Home Air Force Base is one of the largest employers in the state not only with military personnel, but the civilian support as well. Families have no place to recreate together or a safe place for the children to go after school. Communities with the amenities of safe, affordable recreation are attractive to new businesses who are looking for progressive communities in which to locate or Air Force expansion such as the addition of the F-35 wing."

Please explain why this project is a good use of federal taxpayer funds...: "Federal taxpayer funding is needed because Idaho and Elmore County have few resources to spend on public recreation facilities. Military families are sent to Mountain Home and their children attend school in the community which which has no public place for them to recreate with family and friends. 300 disabled Veterans require warm water therapy and consistent fitness activities have no place in the community to receive adequate treatment."

Please describe the national or regional purpose of the project: "The regional purpose of the project is to construct a year round indoor recreation facility for under served communities in Elmore and Owyhee Counties in order to provide needed recreational opportunities to combat obesity, support healthful lifestyles, and create a family friendly environment for community gatherings."

Does the project benefit low or moderate-income individuals and/or communities? "The project's tax-based funding will allow a sliding scale of membership fees based on ability to pay. The facility will be within walking distance of 2500 students and its central location provides very convenient access by many of the area's low and moderate-income residents. City bus transportation and school bus transportation will be available also. Family recreation activities will be completely accessible and affordable to low and moderate income families."

Does the project eliminate physical or economic distress? "Residents who require warm water therapy or rehabilitation or preventive aquatic exercise will no longer have to travel over 50 miles which causes physical and economic hardship. Since one in five children in the area live in poverty and the median income is below $31,000, the opportunity to participate regardless of ability to pay will relieve substantial economic distress. also, having a full service community center will enhance our opportunities to entice new business to the area."

Now for a refresher course on the law.

TITLE 31

COUNTIES AND COUNTY LAW

CHAPTER 43

RECREATION DISTRICTS

31-4316. PURPOSE OF DISTRICT. Each district is organized for the uses and purposes of acquiring, providing, maintaining and operating public recreation

centers, swimming facilities, pools, picnic areas, camping facilities, ball parks, handball courts, tennis courts, marine and snowmobile facilities, recreational pathways, ski areas, and golf courses and public transportation

systems and facilities serving the district together with all related grounds,buildings, equipment and apparatus for the use of the residents of the district and the public generally.

Now for the laws with respect to a hospital district:

TITLE 39

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CHAPTER 13

HOSPITAL LICENSES AND INSPECTION

39-1302. PURPOSE. The purpose of sections 39-1301--39-1314, Idaho Code, is to provide for the development, establishment and enforcement of standards (1) for the care and treatment of individuals in facilities or by agencies as defined, and (2) for the construction, maintenance and operation of facilities or agencies as defined which, in the light of advancing knowledge, will

promote safe and adequate treatment of such individuals in facilities or by agencies as defined.

TITLE 39

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CHAPTER 13

HOSPITAL LICENSES AND INSPECTION

39-1301. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this chapter the following definitions will apply:

(a) "Hospital" means a facility which:

(1) Is primarily engaged in providing, by or under the supervision of physicians,

(b) diagnostic and therapeutic services for medical diagnosis and treatment, psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, and care of injured, disabled, or sick persons; and

(c) rehabilitation services for injured, disabled, or sick persons;

So, are we building a recreation district or a hospital? I am confused but the law is pretty clear and what the WECRD is---is a RECREATION DISTRICT. You be the judge. Please feel free give your thoughts. IT IS YOUR MONEY!