NEWPORT – Town Manager James Ricker said Friday the library-historical society complex project “is off to a good running start. The seeds have been planted.”

Ricker said a meeting between interested parties this week resulted in splitting the central committee into two groups, a financing committee and a fund-raising committee. Don Emery was elected chairman of the building effort and Joshua Tardy was chosen chairman of the finance committee.

About a $500,000 needs to be raised for the project, which will be constructed on Main Street and will house both the town’s library and the community’s impressive historical collection of memorabilia and artifacts.

Ricker said he was excited about the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers. “Anybody can put up a building and hang sheetrock,” said Ricker. “But our group is taking an individualized, custom look at this project.” He said grants are being sought for art projects, ideas are being offered for fund-raisers. Some of these are a New Year’s Eve dance, plays and concerts.

“I have also completed a $50,000 grant request to the King Foundation, and it has been mailed,” said Ricker.