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Passport center to remain in Hot Springs under new 13-year lease; Chamber highlights tourism and expansion activity
Summary
Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce reported a new lease locking the Passport Center in Hot Springs for at least 13 years, plus a planned 29,000-square-foot facility addition with an $18.3 million investment. Chamber and city officials said the center brings short-stay visitors who use local hotels and services.
Gary Trautman, president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Metro Partnership, told the board June 3 that the U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility in Hot Springs has signed a lease extension for at least 13 years and that a separate investment will add about 29,000 square feet to the facility at an estimated $18,300,000.
Why it matters: Trautman and city leaders said the passport facility draws travelers needing fast turnaround — visitors who often stay in local hotels for one or two nights — creating direct economic benefit for lodging, restaurants and downtown businesses.
What was reported
Trautman said negotiations with the passport facility in Washington, D.C., concluded in recent weeks. “We can tell you now they will be here for at least 13 more years,” he told the board, adding he had signed the lease the prior Friday. The chamber and city representatives said the center routinely serves people with urgent international travel needs who travel to Hot Springs specifically for a quick passport appointment.
Trautman also told directors that the facility is planning a roughly 29,000-square-foot addition with an estimated investment of $18.3 million (figure cited in chamber remarks). City officials said they are replacing the facility roof and continuing to pursue better directional signage on the bypass and Oak Lawn to guide visitors to the passport center.
Board and staff follow-up
Directors and staff said they will continue to coordinate with congressional and federal staff when constituents need expedited passport assistance. Director Dudley Webb and others praised the center’s security procedures and its tourism value. The board took no formal action on the passport lease at the meeting; the chamber reported the agreement as an update to the board.
Ending
Chamber leaders asked that the board consider supporting signage and other local efforts to make the facility easier to find; staff said they are working on those items and will report back. Trautman also mentioned other ongoing economic-development activities, including business visits and regional promotion efforts.
