Board action moves auditorium district forward

The Idaho Falls Auditorium District (IFAD) Board of Directors has approved two key projects that will move the project forward.

Convention Sports and Leisure International of Minneapolis, Minnesota was named to conduct a new feasibility study for the district. IFAD Executive Director Chip Scott said he expects the study to begin by mid-March. “The study is to replace an older version to reflect the strong economic growth of the region since the last study was completed, said Scott.

The district board has also approved a development agreement with Pioneer Front Properties, LLC. Pioneer is a subsidiary of Ball Ventures, LLC, which donated 23 acres of land in Snake River Landing for the construction of a multi-use events center.

“As a Board, we are very excited to have completed this step and are grateful to Ball Ventures and Snake River Landing for their generous donation,” said Board Chair Terri Gazdik. “With this agreement in place, we are now able to begin pre-construction which will involve completing an extension of Event Center Drive along with public improvements such as required bridges and utilities.”

Initial work is expected to begin this fall and continue through much of 2019. Construction of roads and bridges will be managed by Snake River Landing.

“This is a big step in what has been a lengthy process but is a strong indicator that the proposed events center is alive and moving forward,” said Scott. “I applaud the Board of Directors for their leadership and commitment to this project.”