A local developer is moving forward with plans to build an $80 million horse sports and commercial complex in the small town of Franklin, Idaho, near the Utah border.
Smithfield's Strategy 5 LLC has announced the acquisition of property abutting the Utah-Idaho border, where the company hopes to build an equine-centered facility complete with horse boarding and training centers, an arena equipped with TV and Internet capabilities and up-scale hotel, restaurants, and retail sites.
It is hoped that the complex will increase tourism and contribute greatly to the local economy.
Before construction, the developer will begin a pre-development phase of land planning, gathering city approvals and completing steps that will lead to site preparation and sale of parcels to sub-developers, Bleinberger explained.
"The entire team is committed to developing a project that is a showcase for the role of the horse in our culture," he said, "and also employs cutting-edge green building practices that ensure the use of renewable resources, renewable energy and other best practices of sustainable development."
Bleinberger stressed that no public funding - with the exception of $1,000 paid by Franklin County to help fund a 2008 feasibility study - will be used to develop the site.
Strategy 5's research indicates the facility could directly contribute $3 million to $5 million a year to the local economy. Indirect economic and fiscal impacts could equal another $6 million to $10 million annually.
A preliminary master plan for the complex also includes an equine hospital, condominiums for horse sports enthusiasts, race track and grandstand.
Bleinberger said overall, the Franklin community has been welcoming of the project and has extended interest in spin-off business opportunities.
Franklin County Commissioner Richard Westerberg said he hasn't heard any public criticism of the development from his constituents.
"Any development in the county that provides jobs and increases property values can be good," he said. "This county has a rich tradition with agriculture and horses, and I think something like this has potential."