The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Hotel/motel tax money flowed freely in Electric City last Tuesday night when the city council voted to provide the Ridge Riders $4,000 and the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce $13,000.

The money collected as a tax on motel rooms and campsites, must be used to support tourism.

Both groups made presentations at the meeting showing how the money would be used.

George Kohout explained to the council the new features the Ridge Riders group planned this year. They included a riding clinic, a dinner and auction, a bull riding event the day after the Colorama Rodeo, and several “ranch rodeos” during the course of the season.

Kohout, president of the group, answered questions from the council, but told the group the date of the dinner/auction was still being decided.

Treasurer Kathy Baty made the chamber’s presentation. She had clear sailing but was told by Councilmember Birdie Hensley that chamber event promotions needed to be done in a more timely manner and that promotion material needed to go out much sooner.

One of the chamber’s projects includes a new reader board near Four Corners and a promotional sign honoring world champion bull rider Shane Proctor, who grew up in the area.

After getting such assurances from Baty and chamber Manager Susan Miller, the council quickly OK’d the request.

The council also supports the Coulee Area Park and Recreation District in its management of North Dam Park, but hasn’t agreed on an amount yet.