Mayor, Oklahoma City Leaders Unveil MAPS 3 Projects

A new downtown convention center, a 70-acre park and a rail-based streetcar system are among eight projects to be included in a MAPS 3 proposal in Oklahoma City.

Thursday, September 17th 2009, 10:27 am

By: News 9


By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and city leaders unveiled the MAPS 3 proposal Thursday, which they believe will bring millions of dollars to Oklahoma City.

"Today is a significant step in the MAPS 3 process, the central theme of which is creating jobs and building on the quality of life that people in Oklahoma City have come to enjoy," Cornett said.

The public submitted a series of ideas and eight made the final cut in the $777 millions proposal. The projects include replacing the Cox Convention Center at a cost of $280 million; building a 70-acre park in downtown OKC for about $130 million; creating a transit system across 6 miles in the downtown area also valued at $130 million; and putting in about $60 million worth of upgrades to the Oklahoma River. All of this paid for with MAPS 3 money.

"I think that if we use the same model and continue to inform citizens and engage citizens I think we have a great chance of doing this," said Oklahoma City Councilman Skip Kelly.

But not all of the projects are in the downtown area and that's why the measure has the support of Ward 2 Council Member Sam Bowman.

"It's time that the rest of the citizens that don't feed on downtown get the benefit of a more comprehensive package that really addresses quality of life for all citizens," Bowman said.

The city will soon launch a public relations blitz in support of the MAPS 3 proposal. City leaders said they hope voters will approve the extension of a one-cent sales tax that expires in March to support the plan. A special election for the MAPS 3 proposal is scheduled for December 8.

The first MAPS approved in 1993 paid for the Ford Center, Bricktown Ballpark, downtown Library and improvements to the Cox Center and Oklahoma River.

A second MAPS project was approved in 2001 and funded improvements to local schools.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Take the poll below on which way you would vote on the proposed MAPS 3 plan.

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