The Black River Falls City Council gave the green light on the projected $6 million Fair Park project in addition to approving necessary borrowing.

At its Nov. 20 meeting, the council officially approved the $6 million in project bids for the city park. As of last week, almost $5.6 million in donations were raised or pledged.

Mayor Ron Danielson said about $434,000 was left to raise, although that number was reduced to about $334,000 after cuts to the project were identified.

“Everyone had to give a little bit,” Danielson said. “It’s not the cheapest but it’s not the most expensive by any means.”

Danielson said the city would be responsible for project costs beyond what has already been raised or pledged, although he is confident additional money will be raised. He said the Lunda Family Charitable Trust has agreed to match money raised toward the $334,000, meaning about $167,000 still needs to be raised.

“We feel pretty secure that we will raise the funds,” Danielson said.

The council also supported the city borrowing money to keep the project — expected to be complete by July 15 — on track. City Clerk Bill Arndt said some pledges will be paid on a yearly basis, but the project is hoped to be completed by mid-2009 and therefore needs the cash flow.

Alderperson Randy Eddy said he didn’t have issues with OK’ing the project despite a monetary shortfall.

“I feel once the project is started and we start the construction ... I’m pretty confident we’ll get the funds for this,” Eddy said.

Danielson said the project’s largest expense — the $3.2 million ice area — will be the first construction started since it will take six months to complete.

Other costs include just over $1 million for dairy, livestock, horse and small animal buildings; $468,000 for the grandstand area; $430,000 for interest; $413,000 for site preparation; $242,000 for the parking lot; and $105,000 for engineering fees.