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News Well Spent: Horse park grant helps revive rural economy (January 2, 2004) - Once again, the foundation that distributes some of the national tobacco settlement funds for local economic-development is under fire for its choices. And once again, a grant to a program in Hoke County is at the top of the flak list. For the third straight year, the Golden LEAF foundation has given a $50,000 grant to the Carolina Horse Park in Hoke County. The park, which holds national and international equestrian competitions, is run by a nonprofit foundation. The head of the conservative John Locke Foundation once again singled out the grant to the horse park an an example of Golden LEAF's wasteful spending. The money, said Locke president John Hood, should go to "a large initiative that would benefit communities where the dependence on tobacco was large." Instead, many Golden LEAF grants are smaller. But they appear intelligently targeted, grants that help build tourism and other industries that can lift beleaguered rural counties. Grants also support economic development incentives and research into new agricultural technologies. The horse park grants, for example, help develop just what Hoke County needs. The park brings well-heeled visitors to the county, tourists who intend to spend money on food and lodging, and who would support local hotels and restaurants, as well as shops and services. The horse people present economic opportunity to those who sell equestrian-related products, as well as farriers, feed and grain suppliers and others. The park also preserves 250 acres of open space and some of the county's rural heritage, while not increasing the county's expenses for schools, public safety and other government services. Like many of the Golden LEAF grants, the $50,000 given to the Carolina Horse Park is leading to local economic development in a rural area that needs help. The equestrians and spectators may be too elitist for the Locke Foundation's taste, but their money is helping revive Hoke County's battered economy. What's not to like about that? Posted with permission of the Fayetteville Observer # # # For additional information, please contact Email: info@goldenleaf.org
Golden LEAF Foundation |