Commission approves major capital rollovers including $26 million event‑center phase

Lander County commissioners on March 25 approved a broad set of capital rollovers and project funds for continuing construction and planning work across the county. The board voted to roll forward a $26,000,000 phase for a new events center — one phase of a multi‑phase project staff said could total roughly $60 million when finished — along with major rollovers for the BM Westside project ($4.5 million) and community improvement and paving programs.

County staff said the events‑center allocation represents a single construction phase and that county staff are seeking written commitments from potential event tenants to help lock in long‑term use. "We're already getting what I'd call promissory notes — the PRCA wants to come and put on a big rodeo," a county staff member said, adding the county plans multiyear tenant commitments ahead of the center opening. Commissioners asked for continued updates on tenant commitments and timing before future phases are approved.

Other approved rollovers and capital items included engineering fees ($250,000), a $7.8 million rollover for the Battle Mountain firehouse, multiple paving projects totaling millions for streets such as Old 8A, Quail Run, North Allen and Emerald, and grant‑funded Safe Routes to School phase 5 (about $1.98 million). The board repeatedly emphasized the projects remain subject to future appropriation and oversight as plans, bids and grant matches evolve.

Commissioners said they expect further review as detailed cost estimates and funding matches are received. "This is a really big project," one commissioner said of the event center, warning that later phases may require similar sums and that the board and public should understand the multi‑phase scope. Staff committed to provide schedule updates and documentation of tenant commitments as the project proceeds.