Consider Support for GAP Funding Assistance on an Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association Facility Project

In February 2023, the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) received site plan and plat approval to construct a sports dome structure at 14600 Ferret St. NW.  ARAA eventually withdrew their landuse application, and therefore, never constructed the dome.  Since that time, Ramsey staff have continued to work with representatives from ARAA as they sought out a new solution for an indoor sports facility to serve their organization.

ARAA has progressed through new plans to construct a facility at a different location within Ramsey.  Representatives of ARAA will be present to share their plans, and to request a financial partnership with the City of Ramsey to close the remaining financial gap in order to construct the facility.

Staff will present financial information to show potential partnership strategies that both aid in the construction of this facility, and retain funds to further help with future economic development.

N/A at this time.

Should financial assistance be supported, funding is proposed to be provided through funds dedicated to economic development.

Staff recommends consideration of a financial assistance package.  This would allow further details to be established of how the assistance would occur.  Staff further sees this project as a catalyst project for further commercial development of approximately 24 acres adjacent to the proposed location.

Provide consensus direction whether staff should prepare a detailed financial assistance package.  Official consideration would come back at a future meeting.