Volusia County Moves Forward with Ambitious Motocross Facility Plans
Volusia County advances plans for a motocross facility on State Road 44, with mixed community reactions and funding concerns.
Volusia County Moves Forward with Ambitious Motocross Facility Plans
Volusia County is revving up plans for a motocross facility that’s sure to get adrenaline pumping in the region. On August 5, the Volusia County Council voted 7-0 to move forward with exploring the possible creation of a dedicated motocross facility. This decision highlights the county’s commitment to providing recreational opportunities tailored for families and youth, as emphasized by Council Member Don Dempsey, who believes that motocross is essential for community engagement and family bonding.
Moving quickly on this initiative, the council directed administration to investigate a public-private partnership to bring the project to fruition. There’s something to be said for teamwork in these matters, and Council Member David Santiago was particularly in favor of moving ahead at full throttle.
Facility Features and Financing
The proposed site for the motocross facility is a spacious 350 acres located on the north side of State Road 44, just west of its fork with Pioneer Trail. The plans reveal an exciting blueprint that includes motocross tracks, RV parking, and event spaces, laying the groundwork for what could become a hotspot for motocross enthusiasts. Originally, the county purchased 356 acres for $4.63 million using ECHO funds and the general fund, with the aim of conservation as well as recreation.
The county has allocated $3.5 million in ECHO funds to support the facility’s development. However, financial concerns remain in the air. User fees from similar facilities typically do not cover operational costs, with the county’s Parks and Recreation Department experiencing merely a 20% cost recovery rate. Consequently, finding a partner to manage the facility efficiently and help cover these operational costs has become a priority.
- Potential financing structures include:
- The county covers all capital costs and manages the facility.
- A private company develops and runs the track.
- The county develops it but leases the operation to a private firm.
- Partnering with a private entity for both building and managing the facility.
Community Feedback and Environmental Concerns
As the council moves onward, they hired a consultant tasked with finding a suitable partner for the public-private partnership. This consultant is set to present various partnership models and financial options to the council by December. It will be crucial for the council to balance community needs with environmental protections as they navigate this path.
The coming months will be pivotal as Volusia County decides just how fast it can go in the fast lane of motocross. From potential recreation for families to environmental implications, everyone is watching to see how the pieces come together. For those who share a passion for motocross, the wait might be exhilarating!