Washington County on behalf Washington County Public Facilities Authority

PROJECT PURPOSE

Purchase and development of a spacious, high visibility 50-acre site near the geographic center of Washington County Oklahoma to serve as home for the Green Country EXPO and adjacent Emergency Facility. This site will provide a central location for needed outdoor drive thru testing/clinic center for all types of medical/health events and staging area for emergency services including food and water delivery. Other possible uses include farmers markets, community meetings and job fairs.

EVIDENCE

A study was done by JAG in November 2016 assessed the current facility and judged it to be both inadequate and too small for major expansion. The existing 5-acre site was established in 1954. Many of the existing buildings have become dilapidated and in decline. With a population of over 50,000 and a in an area that serves as a regional shopping hub the fairgrounds is currently limited to only activities from the citizens in the county. A new structure was recommended in a central location that is better served by the transportation system. A new multipurpose site could expand the $480,000 of revenue impacted in 2016 to a least 10 times current revenue if a proper facility was built to serve the entire region. The current facility due to size limitation has limited the events that could be held in a more modern facility.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The project will serve the younger generation through 4-H, FFA, Agriculture students, athletic programs, etc. and the older population through senior clubs, meetings, etc. Will provide a meeting space for businesses, industries, charitable organizations, livestock growers, farmers markets, etc. and a central location for a future emergency and distribution center adjacent to the proposed site.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The project administrator would use construction timeline and budget as performance measures and eventually the revenue stream produced by the project completion.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma