FORT WAYNE –

Statement issued Friday:

Funding to help with development, promotion of rivers in Allen County

(June 4, 2010) – The Allen County Board of Commissioners today agreed to help fund an initiative aimed at enhancing and encouraging the use of the rivers in the county.

By a unanimous vote, the Commissioners agreed to grant the local civic organization "Invent Tomorrow" a total of $75,000 over the next three years. It will be paid out in annual installments of $25,000 and must be approved by the Commissioners each year.

"Invent Tomorrow" will use the money to fund the activities of a pilot program called "Friends of the Rivers." The program has established a work list which outlines objectives and goals for each of the three years. For example, work during the first year includes preparation work and support for two river-related events, the removal of navigation hazards such as large rocks and sunken logs, and opening viewing vistas. "Invent Tomorrow" is to prepare and submit to the Commissioners an annual report detailing how the County funds were used.

"It's important that we encourage the development of the county's rivers as a prominent feature of our community," said Commissioner Bill Brown.