PUD donates $5,000 to senior center expansion

April 30, 2007

Columbia River PUD has awarded a $5,000 grant to the St. Helens Senior Center expansion project.

The senior center is working to raise $100,000 locally to qualify for a grant from the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department that will pay for $766,500 of the $1.2 million expansion project.

Pictured, left to right: Senior Center Board President John Coldwell, Senior Center Manager Cheryl Young, PUD General Manager Kevin Owens and Senior Center SNAPP Manager Dana Jester.

The project will add 5,000 square feet to the senior center's existing facility. A larger kitchen and dining area are the main focus of the expansion. A preventative health services space, a library/education room and larger bathrooms with improved handicap access are also planned, and the building's heating & cooling system and roof will be replaced.

"PUD employees have volunteered as Meals on Wheels drivers since 1998. We've seen first-hand how the demand for services at the senior center has grown, and we are pleased to be able to provide this grant in support of the expansion project," said PUD General Manager Kevin Owens.