Royal City to build center

EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners approved providing $192,632 for a new community and tourism center in Royal City.

Royal City received a $142,632 grant and a $50,000 loan as part of the Strategic Infrastructure Program. The program uses a refund on state sales tax to pay for Grant County projects used to improve the economy in the area.

The 1,848-square-foot building is planned to be built near the intersection of state Route 26 and Dodson Road by the Royal City Public Golf Course and RV Park. Plans include a conference center, an office, two bathrooms and a kitchen.

Royal City Mayor Justin Jenks said the roughly $215,000 project is going to provide businesses the chance to hold meetings closer to the city.

“There’s really isn’t any big enough in town for companies to hold meetings,” he said. “We have a lot of chemical companies that do things like they put on training for farmers and field workers in order to maintain a pesticide license. They still hold those meetings, but they can’t hold them here, close to town.”

Planning for the project started in 2007 with Royal City, the Port of Royal City and the Royal City School District all supporting the project. The Royal Golf Club Association held fund-raisers. The city received $22,404 in donations, according to the application.

“It’s something the community is behind … I think it’s important that the people be recognized,” Jenks said. “We’re appreciative that the county commissioners and the SIP board decided to fund the project.”