ResolutiontoApproveAgmt2019PFHorsePark

Home Browse Search

Commissioners, the plan lists the WA State Horse Park Covered Arena as a high priority strategic objective. K Other: 2018 State Biennial Capital Budget -Offlcbft Adopted May 7018 A $2.0 million appropriation for the WA Mate Horse Park Cowered Arena and Associated Build -Out project was included in the budget, passed by both the Senate and the House, and approved unanimously. 7. Explain how this infrastructure project has been coordinated, or will be coordinated with other jurisdictions, such as counties, cities, state/federsl agencies, and with economic development organizations during planning, design, thmehig, construction and/or operation phases. Coordination has been the bedrock of Horse Park since 1986 when the Washington State Legislatum appropriated funds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture for investigation of the economic impact of Washington's horse industry. The study recommended such a facility to promote and serve the recreational horse industry in the state and "provide economic benefits through equine activities." (See FFEI-WMP App N, pg3), Co-ordination continued in 1991 with $200 thousand of state funding for an equestrian planning study. It was codified in 1995 with the passage of RCW 67.18 (rwxHfied 79A.30) to "establish a first-class horse park facility in Washington to meet the important needs of the state's horse industry, attract investment, enhance rational opportunities, and bring new exhibitors and tourists to the state from throughout the region and beyond." The RCW even spears to the importance of continued interaction noting "a unique opportunity adats to farm a Partnership between state, county, and private interests to create a major horse park facility that will provide public recreation opportunities and statewide economic and employment benefits. The RCW also established the Washington Horse Park Authority, a nonprofit corporation directed by volunteer board members who are appointed by the governor and must be from across the state, and experienced in the business side of horse shows and events. One member must represent the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and another the local interest of the community where the Horse Park is located (based on recommendations from County Commissioners). The Board cuncntly comprises eleven members who represent a over 300 years of combined experience in a range of horse disciplines: four members are full-time trainer seven members currently ride horse themselves. The Horse Park Authority actively seeks to fill Board positions with individuals who can help the Horse Park continue to expand its user base and facilities. More information is available under Governance at wahorsepark.org. At its May 27, 2014 City Council Meeting, City of Cle Elum Council members voted unanimoudy for a resolution "Supporting the Application for Distressed County Sales Tax Funding for the Design, Fngincaring, and Permitting of a Covered Arena for the Washington State Horse Park, located in Cle Elum" (Rrhfbst Id). The Washington State Horse Park has been awarded a total of over $200 thousand in eight consecutive -year grants by the Mthtas County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (and, most recently, the Consolidated Kittitas County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee), approved by the Board of Commissioners, in recognition of the Horse Park's value as an economic driver for tourism efforts in Kittitas County. The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee (EDC) recognizes the Horse Park plays to the strengths and opportunities of Kittitas County that were defined in the TIP Strategies report (noted in Item 6) and the facility will be a valuable aid in developing Recreational Wubngtm State Hoare Park Diseessed County Sales and Use Tax Grant Application pg925