Widgets Magazine
  • $40 million in excess MAPS 3 funds to be allocated

    Today, the MAPS3 Board voted to return $15 million from the convention center which will not be needed for that project.


    Historic Union Station bordering Scissortail Park


    Combined with approximately $20 million in excess sales tax collections, interest and contingency funds, plus an estimated $5 million that is likely to be returned at the completion of the convention center, the total is likely to approach $40 million.

    MAPS 3 Project Manager explained that two key elements of the convention center -- the 4th Street Experience and the reconstruction of Robinson Avenue between the center and Scissortail Park -- would be able to be completed and still return the nearly $20 million to the general MAPS budget.

    Board Chair Tom McDaniel reported that he had previously met with Mayor David Holt and City Manager Craig Freeman and determined that city council would be the appropriate body to make decisions regarding the funds.

    The Board voted to send requests from the various MAPS3 subcommittees to the mayor and council to consider.

    Those requests include:
    • $9 million for the state fairgrounds MAPS4 coliseum project
    • $30 million for the park subcommittee towards connecting the lower park directly to the Oklahoma River as well as an estimated $25 million needed to renovate Union Station
    • $4 million to be spread between senior centers numbers 1, 3 and 4.
    • $7.9 million to the whitewater facility for a new filtration system, zip line and improvements to meeting rooms
    • $20 million for a trail for connecting South Oklahoma City to the river trails via the May Avenue or Portland Avenue corridors.


    The total requests of approximately far exceed the estimated overage and city council will likely have additional items that will compete for funding.



    Proposed 4-person zip line over the whitewater facility



    Proposed renovation of Union Station
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