County pledges $50,000 to kick-start stalled motocross project

Jason: Isn't it amazing that Lancaster County offers funds, while Cass
County enacted a "ticket tax" a few years ago on the tracks there (I-80 and
Eagle)...

By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star
Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 - 02:57:09 pm CDT

The Lancaster County Board has offered $50,000 to kick-start a motocross
project commissioners believe could be a boon to economic development.

The board on Tuesday voted 4-0 to direct funds to cover engineering and
design costs and to complete other initial work to dislodge the stalled
plans for a motocross track at the Abbott Sports Complex in northeast
Lincoln. Commissioner Larry Hudkins was absent.

The allocation came with a sense of urgency, as commissioners stressed their
concern about the potential loss of revenue if the project remains on hold.

"If we don't do this, it's not going to get done," Commissioner Bernie Heier
said. "We're not even up to bat yet."

The money will come from the county's keno revenues, though commissioners
agreed to a backup plan if the keno pot runs dry. If not keno, the board
will use money it had set aside to build a road for the project. The board
would replenish the road funds when the new budget cycle turns over in
August.

If the board uses keno funds, it will need to hold a public hearing to
formally approve the plan, county Chief Administrative Officer Kerry Eagan
said.

Before the motocross project can move ahead, federal officials — who are
partially funding the construction of the track — need to sign off on the
plans. They can't do that until the initial work is completed.

Project supporters said they need about $912,000 to build the first phase of
the plan, which includes the track, parking and roads. They are leaning on
the support of the Recreational Trails Program, a national effort that aims
to create both non-motorized and motorized recreational opportunities.

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