Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pittsburg approves $1 million RLF allocation to Pittsburg State for outdoor track project
Summary
Commissioners unanimously approved EDAC's recommendation to allocate $1,000,000 from the revolving loan fund, to be paid over 10 years, toward a $10 million Pittsburg State University outdoor track and field project; presenters said construction has started, private fundraising continues and hosting the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in May 2026 accelerated seating and lighting work.
The Pittsburg City Commission voted Nov. 12 to award $1,000,000 from the city’s revolving loan fund to support a new outdoor track and field project at Pittsburg State University. The Economic Development Advisory Committee made a unanimous recommendation to allocate the funds spread over 10 years.
Pittsburg State representatives told the commission construction is already under way and that private fundraising remains a major part of the funding plan. President Thomas Newsome (presented by city staff) and athletic staff said the chance to host the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in May 2026 prompted moving seating and lighting into the project’s first phase to meet competition requirements.
EDAC materials cited a $10,000,000 total project estimate. Panel members discussed projected economic impact figures from an economic consultant; one EDAC reference to production and import taxes summed to roughly $137,000 (context unclear), and a separate statement attributed to consultant Michael Davidson estimated total economic impact of just over $3,000,000 over five years. Commissioners asked about hotel capacity and noted that successful large events at the Plaster Center have generated substantial hotel and restaurant business for the city.
A commissioner moved to accept the EDAC recommendation; the motion carried. The commission recorded no further conditions during the meeting.
City staff said the $1,000,000 RLF commitment was intended to complement likely county support and to leverage private fundraising to complete the facility and add seating and lighting needed to host larger events.
