DOVER — A long-awaited project touted as bringing an enormous annual economic impact to the area through hosting youth sports tournaments continues to move forward.
After years of pushing through various obstacles, Kent County Regional Sports Complex backers now have established dates regarding the search for a builder.
Bid advertisements for a construction contract for the $24 million project will be posted Monday, with the conclusion of bid proposals on Sept. 29.
A pre-bid meeting is set for Aug. 31, Kent County Regional Sports Complex Corp. acting executive directory Shelly Cecchett said.
The KCRSC Corp. plans on a bid award and a construction start date for this fall, with games earlier projected to be played on Columbus Day weekend in October 2016.
In September, the results of a bond viability analysis will be presented to Kent County Levy Court, which serves as the conduit for the financing between M&T Bank and the KCRSC Corp. Financing includes $20 million in bonds to be sold, along with $4 million from the state through its Infrastructure Fund ($3.2 million) and a Bond Bill transfer ($800,000).
When completed the complex known as “The Turf” will include 12 synthetic turf fields with lights and amenities situated next to Del. 1 in the Frederica area.
Backers believe that an economic impact of up to $30 million can be generated if 10 large scale tournaments are held in Kent County.
The KCRSC Corp. board of directors is seeking a permanent executive director and said last week it has received more than 85 candidate applications.