FARGO (KFGO) - Discussion about a proposed Fargo convention center is back on the front burnerwo years ago, a study was completed but further analysis was delayed as the city went to work on plans for a new city hall and a downtown floodwall. That study looked at two site options: One next to the Fargodome and another at an undetermined location downtown. Without recommending a location, the report listed pro's and con's of each, although the Fargodome Authority recommended it be on-site.
General Manager Rob Sobolik says late last year, the Fargodome Authority and Convention & Visitors Bureau hired the project consultant to begin the second phase of the study.
Four potential sites are being looked near West Acres and Scheels arena and two downtown, one at Mid-America Steel and another at the site where the bus terminal and city court are now located.
Sobolik says the study will provide information needed to determine if a convention center is feasible. Any decision would be made by the city commission. The earlier study identified possible funding sources for the project which could include include a tax on car rentals, hotel's and motel's or food and beverages or a combination of those fee's.
It's likely any such decision would be put to a city-wide vote. The estimated cost of a new convention center is put at $50 million to $70 million.
