The recent Mr. Federal Way column in the Mirror regarding the city’s Community Development Block Grant section 108 loan for the Performing Arts and Event Center omitted some information that should have been included.

At the time of the City Council’s original vote, Aug. 6, 2013, to authorize the submission of a Section 108 loan fund application for $3.03 million the design for the Performing Arts and Event Center was not completed, or final costs for the facility projected. It is not a new consideration, nor a new project for the loan.

Much has happened since that vote two years ago, including the Blue Ribbon Panel’s determination that the center is an extremely viable project. The panel’s findings were a pivotal turning point in the long process of support for this complex facility. Many new ideas for uses for the center have been developed, and it is now recognized as the economic development stimulus for the surrounding area, which the city now owns.

For the loan application, it was suggested that more than one project that related to economic development be included, but the Performing Arts and Events Center was the prime focus. Research shows similar projects have been awarded funds in other cities.  The block grant funds are one of several potential sources for the arts center.

Additionally, in June 2014, when the council voted unanimously to move forward and authorize the arts center, the $3-plus million from the block grant Section 108 loan was clearly counted in the $19 million that the city planned on getting for the project. Those funds have been consistently included in the potential monies raised, and mentioned in numerous presentations to the council and the public.

To claim this is a new direction by council is to ignore the facts.

Joann Piquette, Federal Way