Initial MAPS 3 Construction Timeline Released

Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Council members on Tuesday will get a first look at an initial timeline for MAPS 3.

Construction could begin on the river project early next year followed by the trails and sidewalks in the summer and transit in the fall.

Construction on at least part of the park could get underway at the end of 2012. Construction on the wellness centers would get underway soon after.

When it comes to the convention center, a committee has narrowed the potential sites down to four: north Bricktown, east Bricktown, the vacated dealership, and the location of the existing Cox Center, but it wouldn't be until late 2018 that any construction could start.

Mike Carrier, the president of the Oklahoma City convention and visitors bureau argues every day the city waits money is lost.

"Those are dollars that are going elsewhere in many cases because we don't have the opportunity to bid for that business because our convention facility will not accommodate the group that wants to come here," Carrier said.

But those in charge of the project argue it will take two or three years to collect enough money to start construction and moving that up would leave little cash for other projects.

"Obviously everyone would like to be first, but we have to proceed with MAPS and that pay as you go format. But at the same time it ensures we complete all the projects on time and on budget," said Eric Wenger the MAPS 3 project manager for the city,

The timeline is a recommendation, and the city council will have the final say.

The entire MAPS 3 project will take between 10 and 11 years to complete.