No, it’s not a trick question.
Shreveport’s Sci-Port Discovery Center is refunding over $1,000 to the City of Shreveport as the balance of a $15,000 grant for an interactive display.
Sci-Port Executive Director Diane Clark gave a report to the Shreveport City Council last week.
The grant was used to host the “Natural Histories” exhibition and a one-day “Bug Bazaar.”
Clark reported that this was the most successful event in the eight years since its reopening, drawing nearly 12,000 guests including 2,600 Caddo Parish residents and 3,600 Caddo School field trip visitors.
Clark reported that general admissions exceeded $207 thousand during the period, and the economic impact calculator estimated a total return on investment of approximately $42,000.
The report was certainly welcome news and virtually precedent setting for a grant recipient including the return of unused grant money.
One can only wish that other recipients of City of Shreveport grants would provide timely reports.
Hats off to Clark and Sci-Port.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.