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Supervisors authorize bid package for scaled arena improvements using available RESTORE funds
Summary
Hancock County authorized staff to prepare a bid package for a scaled Package 1 arena/fairgrounds project using about $17.9 million in available funds, prioritizing site work, RV hookups, parking, subsurface drainage and restroom upgrades to move the project forward.
Hancock County supervisors on Nov. 17 voted to authorize county staff to prepare a bid package for a scaled arena and fairgrounds improvement project that officials say can be accomplished with approximately $17.9 million in available funds.
County staff and engineer Alex presented a two-package approach. Staff said the available $17.9 million (including RESTORE funds with time constraints) would cover a Package 1 scope consisting of site fill and grading, 135 RV spots with water and sewer hookups, a paved 500-space parking lot, subsurface drainage, restroom and lighting upgrades to the existing arena and barn, and miscellaneous water, sewer and power upgrades.
"We could have all of Package 1 within this $13–15 million range," Alex said, describing options to modify the existing arena and to include optional barn additions at additional cost. Staff recommended moving forward with Package 1 to make visible progress while continuing to seek additional revenue for the full-scope build-out.
Supervisor motioned and the board unanimously amended the agenda and then approved a motion authorizing Neil Schaffer to prepare a bid package consistent with the discussed scope so the county can bring the package back for board review in December or January.
The board discussed contingencies, noting that construction and remodeling can uncover unforeseen conditions that may require adjustments. Staff said about $8.7 million of the total includes RESTORE money that has usage restrictions and a sunset provision; supervisors said they did not want those funds to lapse unused.
No construction contract was awarded at the meeting; the motion authorized only preparation of bid documents and a timeline to return to the board for formal advertisement and award.
