News Release Distributed 04/09/13

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana 4-H Foundation has announced that it has met its financial goals to begin construction on the first phase of its multipurpose building at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La.

Louisiana 4-H Foundation Director Jeff Bush said the advertisement for bid specifications for the first phase is nearing completion, and he is hopeful that the process of accepting construction bids can begin in May.

“We are anticipating announcing the winner of the construction bid process sometime this summer, with major construction to begin shortly after the summer camping program ends in August,” Bush said. “We are planning to have a groundbreaking ceremony this summer.”

Bush has begun earnestly working on the next phase of the building.

“We have an ambitious timeline for phase two,” he said. “We have received a generous challenge grant that will grow significantly if we met the challenge criteria by the end of this year.”

According to Bush, Phase II involves making the building climate controlled, which will include installing heating and cooling units. The building will house an auditorium, the camp store, restrooms and storage for equipment used by 4-H’ers during camping programs held throughout the year.

Bush estimates it will take approximately $600,000 to meet the financial goals for Phase II. He has received nearly $150,000 in the past four months, which met the goals for the first phase.

The total cost of the building is estimated to be $1.8 million, with most of the money being raised through private donations.

The growth in the number of 4-H camp participants was one of the primary reasons for constructing the building, according to Bush. Currently, the center does not have a space for activities or large gatherings during inclement weather, and Bush said the building will fill that void.

Named gift opportunities are available, including the naming of the building itself along with individual rooms within the building, Bush said. A recognition clover will be featured acknowledging benefactors who have contributed significantly to the project.

The architectural firm that designed the building is Ashe Broussard Weinzettle of Alexandria, La.

More information related to the multipurpose building is available from Bush at 225-578-2972 or by email.

Craig Gautreaux