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Commissioners approve feasibility study contract plan; tourism commission backs Hunden for market analysis
Summary
The county will proceed with a feasibility study to evaluate event/cultural/sports center options across the county, contracting with Hunden and engaging HWC for community engagement; commissioners authorized moving forward subject to acceptable contract language.
The Board of County Commissioners voted July 22 to move forward with a countywide feasibility study to evaluate options for a potential event, cultural or sports center and related development opportunities. The tourism commission has recommended contracting with Hunden, a firm the tourism group selected for market analysis, and HWC will handle the public engagement component.
Amber, representing the tourism/visitors bureau, said the county has $60,000 budgeted for the feasibility study and that a new state planning grant of up to $20,000 is available; the grant is paid upfront rather than reimbursed and would help reduce county cost if awarded. "It is up to $20,000 initially... it is upfront dollars," Amber said.
Commissioners approved a motion to proceed with the feasibility study and directed staff to work with Greg Jones (the certified grant administrator referenced by the grant program) to prepare any required grant application. Granting authority to proceed was conditioned on approving contract language acceptable to county counsel and county staff; commissioners asked that the final contract be reviewed and signed once the language was agreed.
The study's scope will include market analysis, demand forecasting and siting guidance within the county (not limited to one town). Amber said the study will evaluate multiple models — an event center, cultural center, sports facility or hybrids — and that stakeholders including municipal officials and the chamber would be engaged early in the process. She said the tourism commission has approved Hunden and that HWC will assist with community engagement.
Why it matters: The feasibility study aims to determine financially and operationally viable uses and locations for a large gathering venue that could attract visitors and economic activity; results will guide future capital and programming decisions.
Next steps: Staff will finalize and approve contract language, begin the procurement/contracting process with Hunden and HWC, pursue the state planning grant application through the certified grant administrator and bring early engagement sessions to the public and stakeholder groups within weeks of contract execution.
