Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #980FY0001 Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park
Requester:		Jon Kurtz			Organization:		Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority, Inc.
Project Title:		Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park			Date Submitted:		2/14/01 1:41:45 PM
Sponsors:		Anna Cowin
Statewide Interest:		See Attachment A
Recipient:		Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority,Inc.			Contact:		Jon Kurtz
		203 E. Silver Springs Boulevard			Contact Phone:		(352) 368-6482
		Ocala 34471
Counties:		Marion
Service Area:		Government Entity
Project Description:
This project was considered for funding by the Legislature during the 2000 Session. There are two major differences between the request for funding last year and this year. Last year the total project cost was anticipated to be as much as $30,000,000 and there was no local match. This year, the total cost of the project is $6,000,000 (see page 9 of revised Business Plan attached) and there is a $3,000,000 local match. The project has been scaled back to better fit with today's tight budget constraints and the Marion County Commission has approved $3,000,000 in funding for the project, contingent upon state funding in the same amount. Additionally, a private fund raising effort is underway and substantial private contributions are expected in the near future. The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park will contain 600 stalls, an outdoor arena and show ring, seating for approximately 4,000, and an education center. The attached business Plan will provide a detailed description of the project, along with a line item constriction budget, site plan, and future operating budgets. In summary, the concept of the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park has been under consideration for six years since the 500-acre site was secured from old Cross Florida Barge Canal properties. This is the first year that the budget request reflects a significant local match. There is little doubt that the Central Florida area and the State as a whole will benefit from the economic impact generated by this needed facility.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
An economic feasibility analysis conducted in December 1999 indicates that the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park will generate $82,000,000 annually in direct and secondary impact on Florida's economy and will create 925 jobs as well as bring in $4,800,000 annually in state and local taxes. This analysis was based upon the larger, much more expensive facility. Since the project has been dramatically reduced in scope, one would have to anticipate the positive economic impact, job creation,and taxes paid will not remain at the level identified in the analysis. An update of this component of the feasibility analysis may well be needed to clearly define the benefit of the new, smaller project. However, there definitely will be a positive economic impact, jobs will be created, and taxes will be generated as well. We hesitate to predict exact numbers until the new, smaller facility and its impact can be reviewed.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$3,000,000
Total cost of the project:			$6,000,000
Request has been made to fund:				Construction
Type of funding match:		Local
	Total Cash Amount:		$3,000,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							Yes
	Fiscal Year:		1999-2000		Amount:		$75,000
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							Yes
	Agency:		Agriculture And Consumer Services, Department Of, And Commissioner Of Agriculture
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							Yes
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		Preliminary economic feasibility analysis dated 12/16/99.
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Marion County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:		1/19/01