COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR RESOLUTION NO. 180659

Directing the City Manager to engage in discussions with Friends of the Zoo, Inc., to identify all potential funding sources, both private and public, for the purpose of constructing a new, world-class aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo.

WHEREAS, the Friends of the Zoo Inc., the operators of the Kansas City Zoo under an Agreement with the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, have developed plans for a new $75 million salt water aquarium exhibit to be located within the current Kansas City Zoo; and

WHEREAS, this project will leverage the use of the 1/8th cent Zoological District sales tax that is collected in Jackson and Clay counties as well as significant private and philanthropic resources; and

WHEREAS, this project will create a world-class, City-owned asset that will be a significant additional economic generator for the City by attracting new visitors both to the Kansas City Zoo and the City as a whole, which will result in additional annual revenues to the City; and

WHEREAS, this project will provide enhanced educational opportunities to all who visit, including students at schools within the Zoological District who will continue to receive free field trips to the Zoo and the new aquarium; and

WHEREAS, the Friends of the Zoo Inc., has requested a contribution of $7 million from the City of Kansas City to complete the financing of this project and further evaluation is needed to identify all potential funding sources to close this funding gap; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize that a new saltwater aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo would bring significant benefits to City and its residents and express their support for developing a financial plan necessary to make this project a reality.

Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to engage in discussions with the Friends of the Zoo Inc., the operators of the Kansas City Zoo, under an Agreement with the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, for the purpose of identifying all potential funding sources, both private and public, and developing a financial plan with recommended funding options, which shall be submitted in a Report to Council within sixty (60) days.