The Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously to seek state funding to renovate Bayview's community center.

The commissioners voted 2-0 after a hearing on Tuesday to apply for a state grant on behalf of the Bayview Community Center Foundation.

If the $150,000 Idaho Community Development Block grant is approved, that will allow significant infrastructure improvements at the decrepit venue.

"I'm glad that we can help the citizens out there and work together," said Commissioner Todd Tondee.

It was an easy decision, Tondee said.

He noted that Bayview's community center, used for that purpose since the early 1990s, suffers extensive wear and tear.

The two-story building on Perimeter Road has developed black mold, lacks enough space to accommodate demand and has heating and cooling issues.

The grant would provide for improvements like a building addition and a new heat pump.

"It just seemed like a good project to move forward," Tondee said.

Of the roughly 20 who attended the public hearing, a requisite for the grant application, no one opposed the project, he added.

Commissioner Dan Green was not present for the hearing at the County Administration Building.

Representatives of the Bayview Community Center Foundation could not be reached on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Tom Lloyd with the foundation board said a response to the application is expected in June.

If the dollars are granted, construction on the building could be completed this year.

The community center is the only venue for public events at the small town north of Coeur d'Alene.

There is no certainty the grant will be approved, Tondee acknowledged.

"I hope we can accomplish something," he said.