Jamestown (CSi)   The proposed Buffalo City Park in Jamestown was discussed at a roundtable meeting in Bismarck on July 23, where the tourist attraction presentation was reviewed with state officials, and developers.

At the meeting were Governor Doug Burgum, Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, along with North Dakota Commerce Commissioner, Michelle Kommer, and developers, Brian Lunde, and  Apogee Attractions from  Porter Ranch, California.

Now that the plan has been developed and presented, funding for the project is the next step, using dollars from the North Dakota Legacy Fund.

Recommended by the City Finance and Legal Committee for approval was the request from JSDC for funding for a market and financial feasibility assessment for Buffalo City Park from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $25,000, with the City Share to be $20,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.  Tourism Director Searle Swedlund said feasibility study  “Builds a case,” for the project.   Mayor Heinrich and Council Member Buchanan concurred on the importance of the Park for Jamestown.

The Buffalo City Park’s footprint is at  the western section of the pasture where the buffalo herd roams,  State Hospital land visible from the interstate.

On the drawing board is the planned Bison Discover Center, The Dakota Corral for children, plus, The Dakota Lands Pavilion, Gondola and Enhanced Dakota Thunder, Buffalo City Amphitheater, Bison Ranch BBQ, Bison Mall, and Tatanka Lodge, estimated to draw at least 300,000 tourists annually to Jamestown from traffic generated off I-94, and regional traffic.

The North American Bison Discovery Center could possibly become an expanded National Buffalo Museum location highlighting the history of the American Bison.

The Preliminary construction  cost estimate at between $47 million and $57 million, which could be lowered if the original plans are modified.