CLC FOUNDATION PULLS FUNDING REQUEST

The Central Lakes College Foundation has decided not to ask the legislature for bonding money this year for a 1500-seat regional cultural arts center. The Brainerd City Council had forwarded the formal request to lawmakers. CLC Foundation President Dr. Jerry Poland said the council will be asked to withdraw its request at Monday's meeting. Poland said the feasibility study completed last year put the price tag for the center at $27-Million. The city was going to ask lawmakers for $21-Million. The Foundation president said the November state revenue forecast and the I-35W bridge collapse convinced the board that now was not the best time to begin the project. Poland said the foundation will look for more private money and put a request for bonding money off for two years. The arts center would be built on CLC's Brainerd campus.