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Appropriations panel approves $15 million package for PRCA move after weeks of debate over tourism funds
Summary
Lawmakers approved a $15 million commitment to support a proposed Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association relocation/museum project after amending the governor’s letter to stage funding from tourism and special project accounts. Debate focused on economic development, matching funds and whether the appropriation belonged in a bill or a governor letter.
The Joint Appropriations Committee approved a modified version of Governor’s Letter No. 5, a $15 million request to support the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) move and associated hall‑of‑fame/museum project.
Sponsor Senator Grupp proposed that the full $15 million be provided but drawn from tourism and special project accounts in staged amounts across fiscal years, to match private contributions and reduce pressure on the general fund. Representative Harrelson pressed staff on account balances and revenue outlooks; staff said the tourism account carried a fund balance in the tens of millions and conservatively forecasted $5 million per year in new revenue.
Opponents urged the request be considered as a standalone bill rather than via a governor letter, citing transparency and opportunities for broader member input. Supporters including Senator Driscoll said the project had private matching commitments and would bring jobs and tourism benefits: “The PRCA has been approached by multiple other states… It is a cherry project that everybody wants,” he said.
After an amendment to stage funding (first year $5 million from project account with $3 million effective immediately, and $10 million in year two from the project account) the committee approved the altered request. Members directed staff to notify affected elected officials and committees about denials or modifications where letters were resolved by budget action.
Outcome: Committee approved the altered $15 million package for the PRCA project, splitting the appropriation across tourism project accounts and years, and required the governor’s office to report on implementation as part of standard follow‑up.
