OKC City Council Approves Whitewater Center Despite Budget Issue

Oklahoma City is one step closer to having a whitewater center. The Oklahoma City council approved plans to go forward with the Whitewater Center project, despite the fact that the construction bids came in $13.6 million over budget.

The Oklahoma City council voted 5-4 Tuesday night to award a $33.4 million construction contract for the MAPS 3 plan. The Whitewater Recreation Center will be built alongside the Oklahoma River downtown and construction was set to begin this fall. 

In June, the Oklahoma City council approved plans for the facility.

6/10/2014 Related Story: Oklahoma City Council Approves Plans For The MAPS 3 Whitewater Facility

City leaders have hit some rough water after bids for the MAPS3 Whitewater Center came in way above budget. Bids for the $23.8-million project came in between $37 and $42.5 million, the lowest bid is about $14 million over budget.

7/28/2014 Related Story: OKC Whitewater Project Bids Come In Over Budget

With the center expected to be a training and competition venue for Olympic athletes, city officials want badly to keep the project intact, since it could position Oklahoma City as the host for the upcoming Olympics trials.