June 21, 2010

SUISUN CITY - Suisun City is once again going after a state grant that could get it the funds it needs to make badly needed improvements to the Suisun Senior Center kitchen.

The city is trying to get $685,000 in Community Development Block Grant money to upgrade the facility on Merganser Drive.

Suisun City initially applied for the grant last year, but didn't get the funds because of the keen competition between cities for the grants. Grant winners expect to be announced this fall.

If Suisun City does get the grant, it will hire an architect to plan out what specific improvements can be made to the Senior Center, with the highest priority going to remodeling the kitchen.

'The kitchen is in bad shape and in dire need of improvement,' Building and Public Works Director Dan Kasperson said.

Other possible improvements include roof replacement, exterior site improvements and expanding the building. Work could start next summer.

The Suisun City Council is expected to approve applying for the grant when it meets in the Suisun City Council chamber at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Charlotte Gilbert, the Meals on Wheels site host at the Suisun City Senior Center, works in the kitchen after preparing lunch Monday. Suisun City is trying to acquire a grant that will allow it to upgrade the kitchen facilities at the center on Merganser Drive.

By Ian Thompson - DAILY REPUBLIC