KRISTIE MOSS / Scroll
The field next to the old Louisiana Pacific line will be redeveloped and replaced with a recreation complex built with federal funds.

Mayor Shawn Larsen said the city plans to collaborate with a local architect to develop a master plan for a complex that will house “baseball diamonds, tennis courts and possibly a swimming area.”

The project, deemed the Greenways Redevelopment Project, is made possible through government money.

Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson (R) announced last month that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would be releasing money to Pocatello and Rexburg for development projects.

“These projects are an excellent use of economic development funding and will help meet the needs of these important Idaho communities,” Simpson said in the press release.

The city has been working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development over the last three years for financial help in this area.

The latest installment of $346,500 brings the total to $1 million dollars of federal money to begin the project. Additional funding will be needed for the recreational complex itself .

The city owns two plots of land slated for redevelopment. The site sits on the old Louisiana Pacific Mill, behind K-Mart and near the Teton River as well as in an adjacent lot next to the canal.

The city plans to first redevelop the site and build trails, fencing, roads and curbing for the roads.

“We’re just getting started on a recreation facility in that area,” said Richard Horner, chief financial officer of Rexburg. “We’re preparing the ground with paths and a foot bridge.”

As far as the new recreation center, Horner said, “The Rexburg Redevelopment Agency is working on putting together some funding, probably some bonding.”

Actual funding for the projects isn’t scheduled to begin until 2008.

In Pocatello, the money will be used to make repairs to the Senior Center and purchase equipment for the center.

Rexburg and Pocatello’s mayors’ dedication played a strong part in advocating the projects and being awarded the money, Simpson said.