This morning, the SRRC signed a written agreement with the Delfzijl district council about a possible establishment in the harbour town of Delfzijl. Delfzijl was in the top three of possible locations for the planned new development, along with Harlingen and Pieterburen. These three locations were also mentioned in the application for financing by the Waddenfonds, which the SRRC sent off last October 19th.
The Waddenfonds replied by letter and stated that the application (for a contribution of 13 million euros) could only be taken into consideration if a signed statement for an additional co-financing of two million euros was submitted before November 20th. The council of Delfzijl was the only one willing to act as guarantor for this amount at such short notice and therefore has placed itself in first position on our list, as well as securing our application with the Waddenfonds.
The SRRC itself has no money for a new building. The centre does not receive any form of subsidising for the aid given to seals; all contributions from supporters and other benefactors are being used for direct seal care, because that is what the money is meant for. We can not use that money to build a new centre. So, for the build of a new centre, the SRRC is dependent on other forms of financing.
For the last couple of years, the council of the Marne district has been developing a Master plan for Pieterburen. Initially, the foundation SRRC Lenie 't Hart was included in their plans. However, it was the only participant to be stricken off the list for reasons that remain unclear. Approximately six million euros have been granted to various other foundations in the village and for the build of a (in our eyes undesirable) car park, but according to the council there was no money available for the SRRC itself in this grant scheme. Also, the council is not willing to act as guarantor for co-financing now.
Lenie 't Hart and SRRC's employees are very happy with the attitude of Delfzijl's council. It shows that if we are to work together, the SRRC will be able to count on lots of support and a warm welcome. Also, the reactions from the business community and the residents of Delfzijl give us lots of faith in the future for a SRRC in the harbour town. And the SRRC only goes for a place where seal care is top priority.
Naturally, we are not there yet: a favourable decision from the Waddenfonds is not certain and will not come until the spring. However, it is an important step in a new direction.11-20-2007 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
