WSHP Covered Arena & Associated Build-Out-Cle Elum

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Northwest ReinedCowHorseAssociation o.a.J.°w"PR March 2,2017 Senator Jim Honeyford Ways and Means,Vice-Chair Capital Budget Committee 112 Irv Newhouse Building P.O.Box 40415 Olympia,WA 98504 Senator Judy WarnicK Chair,Economic Development Committee 103 Irv Newhouse Building P.O.Box 40413 Olympia,WA 98504 RE:Washington State Horse Park -Covered Arena Project Dear Senators, I am writing in behalf of the NW Reined Cow Horse Association.Our organization is the NW Affiliate as recognized by the National Reined Cow Horse Association based in Pilot Point,Texas.Our Association has hosted a show at the Washington State Horse Park for the last four years.Our membership loves to hold a show at this beautiful facility but we are limited to only having one summertime show a year there as weather is a major consideration for the safety of our horses and riders when competing.Rain is a deal breaker for our group.The NWRCHA would be open to expanding the number of shows and the duration of the shows we hold at the Horse Park if a covered arena was available.As the Show Chairperson of the NWRCHA,I see a terrific need for this covered facility.We have limited choices of equine facilities in our state for our equestrian competitions.This covered Arena at the Washington Horse Park in Cle Elum,would create options for multiple equestrian events. The NW Reined Cow Horse Association is asking you to support the Washington State Horse Park application for $2.0 million in capital funding for a Covered Arena and Associated Build-Out submitted by the Washington State Horse Park. The 112-acre Horse Park is a destination venue among equine enthusiasts that attracts 30 thousand visitors per year.Approximately 95%of these attendees are from outside the local area creating a $2.5 million in overnight stays.The total economic impact from the park is approximately $3.5 million.