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The land where the covered arena will he built is currently lightly wooded, smrounded by graveled parking and roadways, and bas utilities (water, electric and sewer) adjacent to it There ere no impediments to moving forward with the project once funding is secured. 2. Explain the specific infrastructure issues the project addresses and how they are linked to economic development Improvements. The project is cited as a high priority strategic objective of the Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan (Action S: Recreational Tourism) and the Kittitas County Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2016--see attachment. A Covered Arena was identified as a key facility as early as 1991 in the first Washington State Horse Park feasibility study, which was funded by the Washington State Department of Community Development. Recreation and Showing/Competition comprise 71% of US horse usage (source: AHCF 2005). This segment is different from the SCORP segment of equine activity, which is limited to trail riding. The project addresses the economic vitality that results from building infrastructme for recreational tourism. Upper Kittitas County was ultimately selected as the site for the Horse Park when suitable land, valued at $5 million, was donated by Suncadia. It also met the requirements determined by earlier studies that the site have good highway access and a drier climate. With funding from the state legislature in 1986, the Washington State Department of Agriculture completed a study recommending the creation of an equestrian center to '~omote and serve the recreatlonal hone industry in the state and provide economic benefits through equine activities. (*FFEI-WSHP p.3 App IV) In 1995, the state legislature passed RCW 67.18 (recodified 79A.30}, to create the framework for the facility, authorizing the Horse Park Authority to establish "3) a first-class horse park facility in W asbington to meet the important needs of the state's horse industry, attract investment, enhance recreational opportuniti.~. and bring new exhibiton and tourists to the state from throughout the region and beyond; and 4) A unique opportunity exists to form a partnenhlp between state, county and private Interest to create a major horse park facility that will provide public recreational opportunities and statewide economic and employment benefits." Washington State Horse Park Distressed County Sales and Gse Tax GJ'Bllt Application pg5/25