If Bismarck Builds It -- a Brand New Civic Center, that is -- Wi - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

  If Bismarck builds it, will they come?

In addition to considering expansion of the existing civic center, Bismarck City Commissioners have before them the possibility of an entirely new facility.  The new proposal comes with 50 acres of donated land in the area near Highways 83 and 1804.  Proponents say Bismarck deserves a first class facility.  Commissioners appear to be listening.

"I will argue that the building does make a difference and I think our vision right now for our capital city and for the geographic area that we serve right here is too low, and it's time to think of a bigger vision with what we have coming in this state," says Senator Lonnie Laffen, Grand Forks, Founding Partner of JLG Architects.

It is estimated that a new facility would cost about $150 million.  Advocates says it would easily pay for itself in 10 years -- from the increase in the property tax base as a result of new development.  However, the up front cost might have to come from a sales tax increase.  

Some say eventually, Bismarck will need a new facility anyway.  So the question is whether now -- or later?

"Hundreds of thousands of people, probably, coming to Bismarck in ten years that wouldn't come here if we add on downtown.  Your business owners downtown will never be busier.  We're on the same team here guys," says Dr. Ron Knutson, Bismarck Anesthesiologist and Land Developer.  Dr. Knutson would donate the land for the project.

There will be community input meetings, the first of which will be held this Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bismarck Civic Center Exhibit Hall.  Two additional meetings will be held -- one on Monday, March 4th at Horizon Middle School, and on Tuesday, March 5th, at Wachter Middle School.