In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a legislative budget amendment aimed at advancing the second phase of a recreation and sports complex project in partnership with the city. The proposal comes just 24 days into the fiscal year, highlighting the urgency and importance of the initiative.

The first phase of the project, which involved public engagement and the completion of a master plan for a 400-acre site on Western Boulevard, has been well-received. The current request seeks to transition from planning to design, with a focus on achieving 30% schematic design for various facilities, including an event center and field house. A traffic impact analysis and outdoor recreation planning are also part of the scope, particularly for areas within the floodplain that cannot accommodate structures.

Officials emphasized the need for public involvement in the planning unit development (PUD) process, which will allow for a mix of uses on the campus, including recreational and commercial spaces. The timeline for the project is ambitious, with hopes to begin work by the end of the month and complete the PUD by the end of the calendar year.

The financial aspect of the proposal includes a request for approximately $950,000, which will be funded through the tourism-related budget. This funding is expected to cover design and engineering costs, with a split of expenses between the tourism development agency and the city. The unobligated balance in the tourism fund is reported to be around $3.9 million, providing a solid financial foundation for the project.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the budget amendment and spending plan modification, paving the way for the next steps in the development of the recreation and sports complex.