Jamestown  (JSDC)  The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) Board has established the “Pathway to Success,” and approved funding for the Buffalo City Park for $600,000, to be divided 80 percent City of Jamestown, and 20 percent Stutsman County funding, the next steps in funding.

The Jamestown City Council, and Stutsman County Commission will vote on their JSDC requests.

Buffalo_City_Park Report – 72 page PDF

JSDC,  CEO, Connie Ova has stated to the Board, “The North Dakota state legislature has moved forward with a proposed appropriation of a $5 Million state grant. This imitative CEO, championed by Senator Terry Wanzek and Representative Craig Headland, is being provided via SB 2018, ND Department of Commerce including North Dakota Tourism, budget 2021-2023.”

Scenarios have been established to summarize the potential economic impacts, including increases of the size of the state economy, payroll creation, and the creation of new jobs.

Connie  also pointed out that “It also estimates tax revenues from sales and use tax and individual income tax. These are  projected for the five years from 2024 to 2029 and do not account for the considerable economic impact during the construction phase.”

The proposal from Apogee Attractions, and  Lunde & Associations LLC for the Concept Development package  develops  a preliminary estimate to build the Park,  along with adjusting  and updating the master plan, and  provides civil engineering, along with completing the schematic design for the project.

The State REMI Study and Apogee Attractions Market Study,  estimates the total return on investment may be $6.446 million in 2024, more than a 10-percent return on the $60 million investment.

going forward with proposal is estimated to take about four months.

Previously…

The North Dakota State Legislature will decide if a last-minute proposal for a state-financed amusement and theme park along a major interstate would be an economic boon for the area, or if it would take taxpayers for a ride. The idea that’s been quietly tucked into the state Commerce Department’s budget in the waning weeks of the legislative session would provide $65 million in loans and grants for the proposed facility on state-owned land adjacent to Interstate 94 in Jamestown, (Buffalo City Park). Lawmakers pushing the project say they’re already being mocked by some of their colleagues for bringing up the proposal.