Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #954
Robert W. Saunders Library Expansion Project- Phase II
 
Requester: Charles Hearns Organization: Ada T. Payne Friends of Urban Libraries, Inc.
 
Project Title: Robert W. Saunders Library Expansion Project- Phase II Date Submitted 1/9/2006 3:37:16 PM
 
Sponsors: Joyner
 
Statewide Interest:
Completion of phase II of the Saunders Public Library Project will suport inner-city youth and adults by providing a rich academic and cultural environment in the Hillsborough County School District. The partnership with the adjoining Booker T. Washington Elementary School (rated a "D" school in 2005) will enable students there and in the surrounding community opportunities to improve their individual achievement and the schools overall rating.
 
Recipient: Ada. T. Payne Friends of Urban Libraries, Inc.   Contact: Charles Hearns  
  P.O. Box 76011   Contact Phone: (813) 866-5205  
  Tampa 33675   Contact email: tampaurbanlibraries@yahoo.com
 
Counties: Hillsborough
 
Gov't Entity:   Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): Yes
 
Project Description:
The $500,000.00 requested for Phase II of the Robert W. Saunders Public Library is for construction of a 300-seat auditorium/theatre and a cultural center attached to the public library and to Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Hillsborough County has budgeted $7.8 million for construction of the 25,000-sq. ft. library, which will open in 2010. The Ada T. Payne Friends of Urban Libraries, Inc. are seeking other funding sources to add the auditorium/theatre and cultural center (Phase II)
 
Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? No
 
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
It is anticipated that the addition of a 300-seat auditorium/theatre and cultural center to the already funded public library will enhance student achievement at Booker T. Washington Elementary School and at other inner-city schools. Phase II of the facility will allow students to demonstrate and polish their skills in public speaking, theater, instrumental and vocal music, dance and other forms of academic disciplines and the arts. This school-library-cultural center partnership should result in raising the adjoining school's 2005 state grade above the present D. The facility also will fill the present void in central Tampa of public meeting and performance space for adult functions.
 
Amount requested from the State for this project this year: $500,000
 
Total cost of the project: $11,845,000
 
Request has been made to fund: Construction
 
What type of match exists for this project? Local
  Cash Amount $7,845,000  
 
Was this project previously funded by the state?   No
 
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?   Yes
  Amount: $3,500,000 To Fund: Construction
 
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?   No
 
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? No
 
Is there a documented need for this project? Yes
  Documentation: 2006 Hillsborough County Library Services Unfunded Projects List
 
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?   Yes
  Hearing Body: Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation
  Hearing Meeting Date: 01/07/2006
 
Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida?   No