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$espite these lmprc*lve rccempllrhments, tbe Park is unable to meet tqdat's mnrketplace <br />requirampnts for protectlon from thc rveath:r rnd Sneatsf caFacity, All of the Park's current facllities <br />are outdoors; the anly shelter is a 30x30'tent for people and stalls fpr horses. Whan conditions are h'et, <br />partieipantr and footing suffer, iFor example, in 2016 rain in June caused rnany riders to cancel from one <br />of our largest shows, and all three events booked for October cancelled due to rr€ather.) This hurts the <br />park's reputation and rev€nu*s, and strains our relationship with organlzers, But equally, when <br />condjtions get extremaly sunnylhoVwindy, participants, horses and cattle need prsteclion. And finally, <br />in lodat's f$mp€tltiv€ environment, many trainers and show organirers demand a controlled <br />stmo$Fhere * free of outdoor distractions " to ensufe a focused, po$itiv€ experlence for their riders. <br />Why should the gtata $upport thls project with a $2rn approptlation at thls time? I he Park currently <br />gsnerates about g3m in economic benefits each ieason, but we are unable to inerease that antount <br />wit6cut grau,ring our rurrent biggest shpvrs and adding rnore large mulli-day events. The latler categcry <br />is generally contrclled by experienced crganir*rs whp will not try, new venu€ unless iiey can manig* <br />risks such as weather imfacts. We believe this $?m inv*gtrylent will e*able r,is to buitd a high quality <br />cavered atena, and add enotfrer $3rn of annuai econcrnic irnpact in 5 years, which will r*peat eaeh yeal <br />tn addition. this proiect will provide ssstainable operating r€venue$ for the Park and better s*rve the <br />State's large and dlverse horce csmrnunlty which ls our mi*sion" <br />We betieve the f.lorse fark has prtven its value anrl ability to ${,t$tain itself. But in order ta thrive, ure <br />need the covered arena. We strongly requett and urg* you t0 fund this important prniect, and are very <br />grateflll for support from lh* State for this very unigue public"private partnership. <br />Sincerely, <br />Leslie M. Thurston <br />fxeculive Director, on behalf ef the Authority Eoard