Hendry County Fair & Livestock Show, Inc. RODEO and RV Facility Refurbishment

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Homer Allen McCormick
5 years ago
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1 FY Legislative Conference Report Project Information Project Name and Line Item Number: Transportation Economic Development Budget Line Item #2216A Hendry County Fair & Livestock Show, Inc. RODEO and RV Facility Refurbishment Contact Name and/or Lobbyist: Karson Turner and Joe Spratt Phone Number and Address: or Identify Legislative Sponsors: Rep. Matt Hudson Senator Dwight Bullard County(ies) Affected: Hendry Project Scope Overview 1. Description and purpose of project, Target population (if applicable) and state benefit. (May include photos/or pictures of maps if helpful). The purpose of this project is to renovate the existing Rodeo Grounds and RV Hookup facility at the Hendry County Fairgrounds to accommodate large year-round events in an ADA compliant environment suitable for educational/agricultural expos and workshops, social events, and add a covered/lighted facility to our County that does not exist currently. We are located in the center of the State less than 90 minutes from 7.5 million people and we have a tremendous story to tell about the history of the Florida Ranch and lifestyle associated with Inland Florida. 2. Include timeline for the project and any required deliverables. Award Notification-May 2016 Execute Grant Agreement-August 2016 Bid Request for Qualifications for Engineering Services-September 2016 Review and Rank Firms Negotiate and Execute Contract-October 2016 Issue Notice to Proceed/Notice of Commencement-November 2016 Schematic Design Development, Outline Specifications for Construction-January 2017 Bid Construction-February 2017 Construction completed-june 2017 Cost Information 3. Provide total budget for the project. Include previous state/federal/local funding; current funding, etc. The budget for the arena renovations is $250,000. $39,000 Professional Services (Engineering) $211,000 Renovate Rodeo Arena (Electrical, Insulation, A/V needs, upgrade to ADA compliance)

2 4. How will the proposed state funds be used? It is the intention of the local County Fair and Livestock show to increase the usage volume and number of events on the calendar. We currently are incapable of getting stock contractors to commit to using our facility because of the dilapidated state of the back pens and arena perimeter fencing. It is unsafe for the stock and spectators. The facility is also currently being used to provide recreational horse riding for special needs children and adults. The facility has outlived its lifespan and needs to be repaired and updated to accommodate our special needs community. Additionally, there is a need to create a meeting space which can be marketed for a variety of uses such as conventions, agriculture expos, concerts, tourism events, social events such as graduation. It would also serve as a staging area during times of emergencies or disasters. 5. Will additional funding be needed to complete the project? If so, how will this be accomplished? Yes. The local community has pledged support in the form of Financial and In Kind contributions exceeding over 20K if the grant were awarded today. This project will be the catalyst for a renaissance of sorts in and within the City of Clewiston on the eastern side of Hendry County that has sat idle for years. 6. Are there local, federal and or private funds involved? If so, please identify as part of total budget. Local support of cash on hand is over 5K currently. The use of Backhoes, Telehandlers, Skid Steers, Wire, Condulets, Speakers for some A/V needs and the welding and material to weld together some pens has been staged all ready to start some refurbishments. 7. What entity will receive and disburse the funds? Please provide entity name as well as the process for disbursement of funds. All funds will be received by the Hendry County Fair & Livestock Show, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. They are solely responsible for the disbursement of funds for the professional services and construction costs, reporting and audit requirements. Economic Benefits 8. How does this project meet the state's economic goals to recruit businesses to Florida, create jobs and other economic opportunities? This project will generate local jobs during the engineering and construction phases. This project will also increase Community outreach or Celebration capacity facilities, such as the ability to hold a Graduation. We also want to point out that while this facility will help attract tourists to our area to hear the story of Rural Florida we also feel this gives us another attractant to be able to hold World Class events like Lake Okeechobee does currently.

3 9. What is the projected return on investment? This project will have huge ancillary benefits to our community. Currently, we host two rodeos that fill up numerous hotels and has an impact on most of the restaurants in town. We have been guaranteed that because of our proximity to a large population of Rodeo participants in extreme South Florida and Central Florida, if and when we get our facilities up to par, we will be able to routinely hold a regular season High School and Junior High Rodeo and potentially be in the running immediately for a Championship host weekend. We also have been promised to hold numerous Eastern Indian Rodeo events and help to expand the Seminole Tribes ability to outreach and educate about their rich cattle history along with hosting their Rodeos. 10. If project results in the creation of jobs ; how many? Jobs for the build out and refurbishment of the existing facilities will number around 20 direct onsite temporary jobs. Less than 6 months of existence. However, the indirect number will exceed that and if the facility receives as much attention and use as intended, the Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show will consider the hiring of two staffers to operate and maintain facilities throughout the year. Other Information 11. Is this project part of the current 5-year DOT work program; if so what year? No 12. Are there related projects currently funded? If so, please identify. No 13. Is the project part of the local transportation plan and where is it in the rankings of priority projects? No 14. Has this project been previously funded and/or vetoed? If so, please indicate the year(s) and the funding amount(s). No 15. If previously funded, have these funds been expended? If not, please explain. N/A Attachments: 30 Mile Radius Map from center of Clewiston, Florida Photos of Existing Pavilion Structure

Attraction Development Grant Program Guidelines & Application

Attraction Development Grant Program Guidelines & Application Mission: To assist the development of a critical mass of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence