Spokane Valley starts $7 million project
SPOKANE VALLEY – The city is taking steps to boost its tourism industry with the groundbreaking of its first-ever championship-level cross-country course. The new venue is located near Flora and Euclid, by the Spokane River, and is set to open next fall. The course is already set to host a major event: the 2027 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I cross-country regionals.
Funding for the project is primarily drawn from Spokane Valley’s lodging taxes, which are earmarked for tourism-related projects. Spokane Valley has committed $4.4 million for the first phase of the project, which is estimated to cost $7 million in total. Additional funds from the same source are expected to complete the course.
“This venue will be a key driver of economic growth, bringing visitors who will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and shop at our stores,” said Mike Basinger, Spokane Valley’s Economic Development Director, to nonstop local KHQ.
Local businesses, such as Vaqueros Mexican restaurant, are looking forward to the economic boost.
General Manager Fernando Rodriguez expressed that they expect to see a significant increase in customers and noted the need for hiring more staff to manage larger crowds.
The city is also exploring federal funding options to construct a fieldhouse as part of the second phase of the project.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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