Marion partners with groups on Stellar Communities application

City Planning Director Aletha Dunston said more than 20 groups have pledged funds, and more than 50 local team members have shown their support for the community designation.

The 17 projects, which are broken down into four different categories — arts and education, community development, revitalization and circulation — are estimated at $31.8 million, Dunston said, and the city is asking Stellar for $15.4 million of that.

She said Jacquie Dodyk, executive director of Affordable Housing, will be administering all of the money that comes in for the projects, and the plan is to set up an endowment through the Community Foundation of Grant County for the maintenance.

Another $15 million isestimated for 25 complementary projects, which Dunston said are secondary because they may not be done within four years or because the funds are still being raised. The primary Stellar projects must be completed during a four-year time period if Stellar funds are awarded.

Dunston said the application simply entails the city’s vision, but it will be up to Stellar officials as to what projects get funded and to what extent. The state also may suggest other projects that need to be completed instead.

The plan is about being regionally important to the area, which Marion is, Dunston said. The city has one of seven national cemeteries, the largest private university, a VA Hospital, Marion General Hospital and General Motors, which all make it regionally important.

“It’s about getting people to invest back into the community,” she said about Stellar.