Flag City Council supports plan for NAU conference center

FLAGSTAFF -- Flagstaff City Council has thrown its support toward building a conference center project on the Northern Arizona University campus by approving plans that may result in up to $2 million invested toward the project.

On Aug. 16, the council authorized city staff members to work with NAU representatives to draft an intergovernmental agreement, specifying terms for a city investment of up to $2 million for public facilities or improvements. The council also authorized the mayor to sign a letter of intent to show support for a conference center, hotel and parking structure.

The Arizona Board of Regents granted NAU approval to begin advanced planning for a proposed on-campus conference center at its June 16 meeting in Flagstaff. A request for proposals has been issued by NAU. The proposals are due Sept. 22.

The proposed conference center is estimated to include 37,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and an exhibit hall and could accommodate groups ranging from 200 to 1,000 participants. The estimated budget for the public-private project is $10 million.

City council scrapped plans in April for a $48 million, four-star hotel and conference center after a consultant said it would take about $20 million from the city to attract private investors for the project.

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