New Bismarck Civic Center Expansion Plan Unveiled

by Associated Press
January 17, 2013 8:18 AM


Commissioners in North Dakota's capital city have resurrected talk of expanding the Bismarck Civic Center, but with a project that would cost about one-third of the $90 million plan rejected by voters last November.
 
Mayor John Warford says the South Dakota cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City are improving their convention facilities, making more competition for Bismarck.
 
The proposed $31 million plan would double the size of the Civic Center's Exhibit Hall, and upgrade locker rooms and improve performer spaces for the arena section.
 
Commissioners could approve the smaller project without a public vote, paying for it with existing
revenue from food, lodging and liquor taxes. If that happens, construction could be done in time for the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in May 2014.