City Receives Small Cities Grant to Purchase Portable Readerboards
Yelm, WA — As a part of the Port of Olympia’s Small Cities Program,Yelm will receive funding to help purchase portable, electronic message boards that will alert residents and commuters of emergencies, traffic advisories, and community events .
“These reader boards will act as a multi-use tool for delivering valuable information to the community year-round,” Yelm Police Chief Todd Stancil said. “Not only will they promote local events or alert commuters if I-5 is shut down, but they could serve as a vital communication tool in the event of a natural disaster.”
The readerboards, equipped with a solar charger and a maneuverable 8-foot by 4-foot screen will create another avenue for the City to relay information to the community.
“Some people might not check the City website or follow our Facebook page, but everyone will drive past those signs,” Stancil said.
At the March 25 Port Commission Meeting, the Commission awarded Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, and Bucoda $10,000 each, for community and economic development investments. The grant will cover about one-third of the total cost while the remaining balance will be covered by the Street Equipment Budget.
The Small Cities Program was established in 2010 and provides gap funding for community and economic development initiatives within incorporated Thurston County cities with fewer than 15,000 residents. The program has previously provided funding to help construct the Yelm Community Center, redesign the City of Yelm logo, and establish an electric car charging station at Yelm City Park.
