Architectural rendering shows proposed ice arena. (Garco Construction.)
OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate has approved a $300,000 appropriation for a Spokane Valley ice arena, bringing the $44 million complex one step closer to reality, says Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley.
The money is provided in the Senate version of the state capital construction budget, which was approved by the Legislature’s upper chamber Friday in a 49-0 vote. Meanwhile, a preliminary version of the capital budget approved by a House committee last week provides $400,000 for the project.
“The question isn’t whether the Legislature will provide funding for the ice arena, it’s how much,” Christian said. “Suddenly we have a chance to develop an important new amenity for our community, and this is something we can’t afford to pass up.”
Last summer the city of Spokane Valley was stunned by the offer from developer Innovia and an anonymous private benefactor to develop a modern indoor ice arena on city-owned property at 2100 N. Sullivan Road. Private donations would cover $16 million of the $25 million cost. After completion, the city would be allowed to purchase the arena for $9.4 million.
The arena would include two ice rinks, grandstands, concessions, locker rooms and ice-skate rental facilities. The project also would include a hotel and commercial spaces, which would be developed separately and retained by the developer.
For its part of the arena project, the city has agreed to put up $4 million for public infrastructure expenses, including roads and sewers. That leaves $5 million to cover, and project advocates are seeking money from the state to build and equip the facility. State money would be used for construction of the building shell, ice plant and refrigeration systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and components required by the state building code. Supporters will seek additional money next year.
In addition to the money from the capital budget, the developer also is seeking $1.5 million from the state Recreation and Conservation Office grant program for youth athletic facilities.
Christian pledged his support for the arena project at a meeting of the Spokane Valley City Council last fall, and he called the appropriation an example of “promise made — promise kept.”
Christian said the arena will provide new opportunities for youth sports, hockey leagues and figure skating. “We’ve got a real shortage of space right now on Spokane-area ice rinks, and this arena will allow us to expand league play and host tournaments we can’t accommodate at the present time,” he said. “But this will be more than just a sporting facility. It will be a hub for tourism and economic development, generating nearly $7 million a year in direct benefit to our local economy.
“We still have to get this through the House, but what we’ve seen of their budget so far is promising,” Christian said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Spokane Valley, and I’m glad the Legislature is willing to help bring it across the finish line.”