The arrival of June means the arrival of summer. With K-12 schools out for summer break, students and their families are enjoying the vacation and all of the fun it brings. During this time, many of these families will take the opportunity to visit the excellent entertainment options that Wayne County has to offer, one of which recently gained statewide recognition.
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs recently awarded Fountain City with a $50,000 grant from the Place Based Investment Fund (PBIF). This year, Fountain City was one of only 11 communities throughout the state chosen to receive a PBIF grant. The PBIF grants are intended to support economic development and community projects that promote quality of life, improve tourism experiences and develop multi-purpose gathering places.
Fountain City will be using their grant money to build the Levi Coffin House Orientation Theatre. The theatre is an expansion of the popular tourist destination, "Grand Central of the Underground Railroad." The theatre and other necessary equipment will make it possible to host events on-site. The project creates a greater educational experience for patrons, while upholding the historical integrity of the venue.
I commend the Town of Fountain City, Fountain City Lions Club, Levi Coffin House Association, Quigg Family Foundation, Wayne County Foundation, Inc., Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northeastern Wayne Schools and the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites for their collaborative effort to make this endeavor possible.
I look forward to seeing the finished product, and I encourage everyone to partake in all of the fun and excitement that this theatre will bring to our community.
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Rep. Hamm (R-Richmond) represents most of Wayne County.
