Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
Harbor Center Board Still Hopeful that Needed Money Can Be Found
- March 21, 2004
- By Aileen Ruli
- Slidell Sentry-News
SLIDELL – The East St. Tammany Events Center Commission (ESTECC) expected to fund the North Shore Harbor Center for $10 million back in 1998, but now it will cost over $17 million to construct the first phase of the development.
The ESTECC is optimistic, however, that the funding will come through with the help of supporters. Recent projections have shown that the $10 million bond issued in 1999 will actually generate an additional $5 million. On April 17, voters of Wards 8 and 9 will decide whether or not to approve the additional money.
“By the grace of God we got this opportunity,” said ESTECC member Joe Anderson.
The proposition will not increase taxes, it simply allow the commission to receive the extra money projected to be generated by the existing tax.
If voters approve the proposition, it will give the ESTECC approximately $15 million to spend on the events center, but the commission will still need funding from other sources.
“We are working hard, as we always have, for capital outlay funding,” said Anderson. “It is going to be difficult due to the financial condition of the state, but we are optimistic.”
The commission currently has a $750,000 letter of credit that has not yet been spent, said Anderson.
The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission has also been a source of funding in the past, something the ESTECC hopes will continue.
Another source of funding for the commission has been the hotel and motel occupancy tax that has been in place since 1999. Anderson said that before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the $1 a day occupancy tax was generating about $20,000 a month. After that day, revenue from the tax fell to about $18,000 a month, but that figure is steadily improving.
The most significant source of revenue for the ESTECC still comes from the voters, said Anderson, and if the April 17 proposition is approved, it will go a long way in putting the commission “back on track.”
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