MAPS 3: Did you know?
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Published: November 8, 2009
Downtown park, $130 million
A 70-acre park is planned along downtown’s southern edge, between the Oklahoma River and a planned boulevard which will replace the existing Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway when it is relocated. The park would include a cafe, a lake, an amphitheater and other amenities. City leaders compare the idea to Discovery Park in Houston, Millennium Park in Chicago and Centennial Park in Atlanta.
Convention center, $280 million
A new convention center is planned on the south edge of downtown near the planned downtown park. The new center will include exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms and parking. Plans for the Cox Convention Center, opened in 1971 and now considered inadequate by city leaders, have not been finalized.
Transit, $130 million
The money would pay for five to six miles of downtown streetcar lines and a downtown transit hub which will link streetcar, commuter rail and bus systems. Some money could also be used for building commuter rail lines, but the city is also seeking federal transportation money for commuter rail.
Oklahoma River, $60 million
About $25 million would go toward a whitewater kayaking venue. The exact location of that venue has not been chosen. The rest of the money would go toward improvements on the east end of the river where the city hosts rowing competitions. Those improvements include grandstands, lighting, parking, a floating stage, river beautification and other work on the rowing course.
State Fair Park, $60 million
The money would be used to upgrade public buildings at State Fair Park. Fair officials are in the midst of a $75 million overhaul of State Fair Park’s horse barns and State Fair Arena. MAPS money would be used for the other buildings at the fairgrounds such as exhibit space and meeting halls used during the fair each year.
Health and wellness aquatic centers for senior citizens, $50 million
An undetermined number of the centers would be built across
the city. City officials have not said exactly where the centers will be located.
Trails, $40 million
A master plan calling for additional bicycle and walking trails all across the city has been largely unfunded. This money would pay for 57 miles of new trails, virtually completing the city’s trails plan.
Sidewalks, $10 million
Following up on the 2007 bond issue, which included $68 million for sidewalks, MAPS 3 will include money for sidewalks along major streets and near public buildings such as schools and libraries.
Contingency funds, $17 million
The contingency fund could help pay for any unforeseen costs along the way.
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Culture and Lifestyle, Politics, Transportation, Public Transportation, Local Politics, Fairs and Carnivals
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Did you know that the Ballot and Ordinance doesn't include ANY of the projects?
"...and a contingency fund in case there are any unforeseen costs for any of the projects."
Did you know that the contingency fund is only $17M (2.2%) of the overall budget? MAPS 1 was nearly 47.75% over budget.
"It would extend a 1-cent sales tax currently paying for Ford Center improvements for seven years and nine months."
No it doesn't. As it states: "The Ford Center tax expires in April." This is a new tax for a new purpose.
That's just the 1st paragraph...LOL