As many of you may know, recent WA state legislation has allowed for the formation of regional Public Facility Districts (PFDs) that can combine the resources of individual city PFDs to build larger-scale projects for our communities. A Tri-City regional PFD has been created and is now weighing four potential building projects: the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center, expansion of the Toyota Center/Three Rivers Convention Center campus, an Aquatics Center, and a Performing Arts Center (PAC).
For the past few months, individuals representing the multitude of arts groups here in the Tri-Cities have been meeting and working together to create a unified stance on our support of a PAC. Several task forces and committees have been hard at work reviewing former endeavors related to this project and have outlined a powerful new proposal.
On Wednesday night May 18 starting at 5:45 PM at the Three Rivers Convention Center, the regional PFD committee will be hearing public proposals from two of the four projects: an Aquatics Center and a PAC. Although the meeting starts at 5:45 PM, the PAC presentation is second on the agenda and will begin closer to 6:30 PM.
We are planning a performance element that will take place during this presentation. To the best of your ability, please reserve this evening and plan to join us with your voice. More details to follow.
It is important for us as representatives/advocates of the performing arts community here in the Tri-Cities to make a strong, positive public statement at this meeting. The regional PFD needs to know how many of us there truly are who are excited about this project and ready to do whatever is necessary to make it happen. Furthermore, we intend to communicate the significant benefit it would provide not only to our local arts groups, but also to the economic development, tourism industry, and ongoing growth of the Tri-Cities.
Please join us next Wednesday night May 18 as we unveil the official kickoff of the campaign to build a proper home for the arts here in our area. Following the meeting, a recital will be given by Renee Heitmann and John Cooper, guest vocal soloists on the May 21 Sea Symphony concert.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions, and be sure to share this information with your social circles of influence!
