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7. Studies: Please attach any feasibility or other studies that demonstrate linkages between <br />the proposed project and the anticipated tourism impacts. Also please include your <br />operations/maintenance funding strategy and business plan for long-term project <br />sustainability (how the facility or facilities will be operated and maintained for at least three <br />years following completion). <br />With funding from the state legislature in 1986, the Washington State Department of <br />Agriculture completed a study recommending the creation of an equestrian center to <br />"promote and serve the recreational horse industry in the state and provide economic <br />benefits through equine activities." In 1995, the state legislature passed RCW 67.18 <br />(recodified 79A.30), to create the framework for the facility, authorizing the Horse Park <br />Authority to establish "3) a first-class horse park facility in Washington to .meet the <br />important needs of the state's horse industry, attract investment, enhance recreational <br />opportunities, and bring new exhibitors and tourists to the state from throughout the <br />region and beyond; and 4) A unique opportunity exists to form a partnership between state, <br />county and private interest to create a major horse park facility that will provide public <br />recreational opportunities and statewide economic and employment benefits." <br />The Financial Feasibility and Economic Impact of the Washington State Horse Park (FFEI- <br />WSHP) study was conducted by Central Washington University in 2006 (attached to this <br />application). Legislative support continued with appropriation of $3.5 million in the 2007- <br />2009 capital budget for Phase I of construction of the Horse Park. The work included <br />completion of design, development, permitting and engineering components, as well as the <br />more visible site clearing, road grading and utility improvements the site required in <br />preparation for constructing the arenas and other revenue generating facilities. In an Oct <br />12, 2009 posting on houserepublicans.wa.gov, Rep. Judy Warnick included in the list of <br />reasons for her support: "Most of all, these facilities will help the local economy and <br />provide much-needed jobs." This view by the state legislators was reinforced most recently <br />by Senator Holquist Newbry on April 22, 2013 on the same website. <br />The WA State Horse Park manages an annual operating budget of $473,000, employs a <br />seasonal maintenance crew that operates and maintains all Park equipment. The Park also <br />benefits from "work parties" comprising up to 20 volunteers. <br />8. Project Readiness: Please provide a detailed project schedule, including milestones <br />necessary for completion as mentioned in question 1 above. On the schedule, indicate <br />items completed and exactly where in the schedule the project is at this time. Be sure to <br />include expected completion date. <br />The Park is ready to actively acquire and use a pre-owned tractor as soon as funding is <br />available.