Palmer ice rink on power play

PALMER -- There's good financial news for those backing construction of an ice rink in Palmer.

Mayor Jim Cooper said Tuesday he's optimistic the Mat-Su Borough Assembly will pledge money toward costs to complete the arena, for which Palmer voted a $1.5 million bond in the October election.

The bond's passage assured first-phase construction of the rink but other amenities, such as locker rooms and a jogging track, depend on additional funding.

Copper said he's asked the assembly for between $800,000 and $1 million. He said he's confident the borough government will come up with some amount of money for the project.

Cooper also said during Tuesday's Palmer City Council meeting that a request for funding through the Rasmuson Foundation appears on a positive track. The Rasmuson board of directors will meet next month to decide whether to seek more information, but Cooper said initial indications are good.

Rasmuson officials are interested in seeing local contributions to the project, such as commitments from service clubs, Cooper said. If the Rasmuson board decides to pursue the rink project further, a final decision on funding should be made by June.

The city is asking the foundation for $500,000.

The Palmer City Council gave preliminary support Tuesday for an additional $200,000 in city money for the project. Members unanimously passed a motion to prepare a budget amendment resolution for consideration during the Jan. 27 meeting.

Council Member Tony Pippel said fund-raising is going so well the city may end up with more than it needs for the rink. Cooper noted that the bond measure didn't specifically tie the entire $1.5 million to an ice rink.

"If we came in over [cost] we'd probably take our $1.5 million and either not bond for it or use it for other recreational needs," he said.

The council previously decided to build the rink on land near Palmer Junior Middle School. The 14-acre site is owned by the city.

Plans call for skaters to be on the ice by October.