LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock County Expo Center project took another step forward Wednesday as county leaders reviewed an update on the proposed venue.
The Local Government Corporation, which oversees the county project, met and approved next steps for the expo center planned for north Lubbock. The 7-2 vote gives formal approval for work to move forward on financing and continued planning tied to an updated design and budget.
The vote also reaffirms the project’s location near North University Avenue and Loop 289.
Questions remain about financing
LCEC Chairman Randy Jordan said the project has made significant progress despite ongoing questions.
“We’ve come a long way, questions are always going to be there and we have done our very best to answer all these questions but as I said in our meeting today, I believe we provided enough information to get us to this point certainly there will be things for us to talk about,” Jordan said.
Some corporation members expressed frustration about past spending of hotel occupancy tax and private donations, including more than $7 million already invested in infrastructure, planning and designs.
Board member Carl Isett said the private expo center board failed in its fundraising responsibility.
“It was 7.7 million given to LCEC who failed the only responsibility they had was to raise money and they failed and regardless of covid which is now five years ex post they failed and they very much want to be involved in this project,” Isett said.
Construction timeline and design updates
While construction is not starting yet, the corporation’s action allows the county to continue working on financing and planning, including a tentative new design expected in March.
Jordan said the $7.7 million spent has provided infrastructure at the location, including roads, sewer, water and electricity. About $5 million went to planning and drawings.
“7.7 was spent but look at what we got for that. You got infrastructure on the location out there, got roads got sewer, got water, electricity outside work that’s been done. Roughly 5 million dollars of that went to planning, and drawing. Sadly we had a beautiful plan but we couldn’t afford it,” Jordan said.
The multipurpose expo center is expected to host concerts, rodeos, youth competitions and community gatherings with hopes to bring tourism and economic activity to the area.
The project keeps the expo center on track for a county commissioners vote later this month.
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