Alliant Energy Also Steps up with Financial Help for Riverfront Amphitheater

By Rick Smith, Reporter

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By Kelli Sutterman

Story Created: Dec 3, 2010 at 6:25 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 3, 2010 at 6:25 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Alliant Energy also is planning to the city’s proposed $8.7-million downtown riverfront amphitheater project.

In a letter to the city, Tom Aller, president of Alliant’s Iowa Electric Light and Power Co. subsidiary, said his company “realistically” will be able to fund at least half of the cost of an estimated $361,000 in electrical utility work for the project.

The utility, he said, is “completing its review” of what costs it can help on.

Earlier this week, the Hall-Perrine Foundation committed $1 million to the project, AEGON USA and Rockwell Collins committed $225,000 each and CRST International Inc. committed $100,000.

The donations have been announced in preparation of the city’s request next week for a $2-million state River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) grant to go along with a $1.075-milloin state I-JOBS disaster grant the city already has received for the project.

The city and county also have contributed funds and land to the project, construction on which is slated to being next year. The amphitheater, which is part flood-protection and part entertainment venue, should be ready for concerts in 2013, the city has said.

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