City Commissioners Give Final Approval On Community Development Grant Program

These nine projects were approved by the City Commissioners at the City Meeting on Monday night. Mike Running introduced each agency and they told the commissioners how they expected to spend money they would receive through the community development grant program disbursed by the DEDC.

GaitOuest

This organization began in 2008 and provides therapeutic horsemanship through equine assisted activities to mentally and physically challenged persons, fostering independence and success in everyday life activities and social settings. They service Dumas and Moore County, and other cities are asking to use their services. The center is NARHA Registered. They wish to purchase an independent strides adaptive saddle, if approved. The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $2,900 for this project.

Cowboy Classic Rodeo

This organization was formed over four years ago. They are the only TCRA  sanctioned rodeo in the immediate area. The organization brings in an estimated $6,000 of annual local sales from visiting contestants and spectators in August. They provide scholarships devoted to kids involved in 4H and FFA to help provide a education beyond high school in hopes of perpetuating a succession in our local agriculture industry. They wish to build a storage shed to keep all property at the  Rodeo Grounds, if approved. The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $3,900 for this project.

AgriLIFE Extension Service

This organization is a non-profit organization that serves the educational curriculum needs of the citizens of Dumas and Moore County. They have two full-time paid staff and few part-time staff and a host of volunteers that make this program work as all programs must be self-sustained. They will purchase new technology to coincide with Dumas lSD, which consists of a big screen TV, a digital presenter, a mobi whiteboard, and other small items needed. The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $8,000 for this project.

Dumas Education Foundation

This organization was formed to provide a "last money in" scholarship program guaranteeing access to a college education for every qualifying Dumas High School student. This program pays tuition, books and fees or up to 66 semester hours at Amarillo College Moore County Campus. This program has seen a tremendous growth of kids staying in Dumas and getting a two year degree. They wish to use funding for the purchase of text books for new students who particpate in the Quest Program.  The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $8,100 for this project.

Dumas Youth Baseball/Softball Association

This organization was formerly called the Little League. In 2010, the name was changed and chartered with the Cal Ripken league beginning with this year's season. They currently have 528 players in Dumas. They wish to purchase safety netting for the fans and players. The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $6,000 for this project.

YMCA of Moore County

This organization has been serving Moore County for over 50 years. They provide health facilities and family sport functions. They wish to improve the recreation field south of their facility, and make a better soccer field for training youth to prepare for High School athletics soccer program. The Dumas EDC Board of Directors has approved $11,100 for this project.