Commissioners signal continued support and planning for Montgomery Whitewater amid funding strain
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Summary
Commissioners discussed ongoing operating losses at Montgomery Whitewater, said the facility serves as an anchor for redevelopment near Maxwell Boulevard, and directed staff to prepare a plan for sustaining the facility; no funding vote occurred at this meeting.
County commissioners devoted substantial time to Montgomery Whitewater, debating whether to continue periodic financial support to keep the facility operating while development in the area progresses. Multiple commissioners said the park is currently operating at a loss but serves as an anchor for redevelopment on Maxwell Boulevard; several drew comparisons to long-term public investments that later produced tax revenues.
One commissioner said the county has to decide between continued investment or allowing the facility to close and acknowledged the political and fiscal strain of ongoing support. Commissioners agreed to develop a plan and present options at a future meeting rather than approve new funding at this session.
Speakers referenced coordination with city and state partners and the hope that future development will allow the county to recoup some of its investment. No specific dollar amounts, timelines for funding, or staff recommendations were approved during the meeting.
What happens next: Staff will prepare and present a plan for Montgomery Whitewater funding and sustainability at a future meeting; commissioners explicitly deferred any immediate new appropriation.