WSHP Covered Arena & Associated Build-Out-Cle Elum

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PO n lu b. Where it all begins February 27,2017 Senator Jim Honeyford Way and Means,Vice-Chair Capital Budget Committee 112 Irv Newhouse Building PO Box 40415 Olympia,WA 98504 Senator Judy Warnick Chair,Economic Development Committee 103 Irv Newhouse Building PO Box 40418 Olympia,WA 98504 Re:Washington State Horse Park -Covered Arena Project Dear Senators: As Regional Supervisor for the inland Empire Pony Club,the Horse Park is extremely impprtant to us.I urge you to support the Washington (WA)State Horse Park application for $2.0 million in capital funding support for a CoveredArena and Associated Build-Out submitted by the WA State Horse Park Authority. The United States Pony Club is a National non-profit youth organization that organizes shows for youth development and competition.The Inland Empire Region encampasses Eastern Washington,Idaho, Oregon and Montana and our members utilize the Horse Park's facilities several times a year for a variety of activities.We would come more often if the Horse Park had a Covered Riding Arena to rent. We appreciate that the Horse Park is easy to access and centrally located in Cle Elum.The Park's ability to draw people from outside the local area uniquely characterizes the Park's impact.Total economic impact of the Park,including day visitors,is $3.4 million.The Covered Arena will allow the Park to attract more horse disciplines,host larger shows and extend the its operatin8 season from five to nine months, significantly increasing the size and number of events held at the Park. Moreover,the Park provides a permanent asset for our young people -a quality facility for outdoor recreation,a place they'll love to go to learn and compete for generations to come.Thank you for your consideration.I urge the State to fund this important project. Sincerely, Shelly Widmer Inland Empire Pony Club Regional Supervisor 509-750-9710