Committee Talks Civic Center Expansion | Video

Joel Porter | 10/16/2012

In just three weeks, Bismarck voters will have a number of choices to make at the polls. One issue on the ballot will be a plan to nearly double the size of the Bismarck Civic Center`s exhibit hall. This morning, the EpiCenter Committee showcased a plan to raise nearly $90 million to convert the center into an even larger site to host conventions.

If voters approve the plan, the city would draw funds from a lodging and hospitality tax on hotel rooms in Bismarck over the next few years.

"I understand this project got to have a big number on it. And part of that was the focus on making sure we did it right. That we`re not piecemealing something, we`re not settling. We`re not doing anything else. That this is a project that`s going to be done the right way," said committee co-chair Bill

Shalhoob says he expects between 10 and 15 million dollars could be raised from the private sector, including naming rights.

The expansion would need at least a 50 percent "yes" vote.

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