No one could have imagined that it would be a new century before plans were solidified for a fire station in the Bridgeport area when its planning began in 1994. Now, 16 years later, Mariposa County has decided to purchase a piece of property and begin construction of the longawaited station.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a piece of land on Old Highway, near the intersection of Yaqui Gulch Road, on which to build the new station. The county has already earmarked the funds for the station from tobacco settlement funds.

A total of about $750,000 has been set aside for the project. Construction and upgrade of which will forever enhance the community as a whole.”

Ballinger described the project and its potential to draw people to Mariposa. “Grizzly Stadium will provide a secure, appealing sports venue that will attract visitors whose children are participating in youth sports at every level,” he explained. “Family entertainment is one of the largest industries in this nation, and what could possibly be a stronger draw than an engaging sports facility with Yosemite National Park in its back yard. The potential to improve visitation to Mariposa is almost unlimited through this youth sports venue.”

Miller asked for the county’s financial support of the project in the form of $150,000 in seed money. He described the first phase of the project to the board. “In the first year, prior to this fall’s football season, the committee plans to completely fence the facility to provide for a secure venue,” he said. “Other projects targeted for completion in the first phase are a ticket booth, two visitor kiosks providing information on local attractions and businesses to visitors, restrooms, a barbecue area, home and visitor bleachers and a new scoreboard.”

Miller said the stadium’s draw will increase Transient Occupancy Tax revenue and sales tax revenue. “It’s a winwin situation for the county and community,” Miller said.

With or without financial support, the Grizzlies will use the field in the fall. “We will play there next year, one way or another MCHS Principal Celeste Azevedo told the board. The Southern Athletic League has moved its schedule up a week, making the Grizzlies’ first football game in direct conflict with the fair. That move prompted the venue change for the entire season. “We felt it appropriate to start articulating a plan to stay there,” Azevedo said.

Supervisor Jim Allen cut to the chase. “Where’s the money?” he asked County Administrative Officer Rick Benson, who explained that Proposition 40 funds could be utilized to pay for the fencing of the stadium. In addition, the county has some tobacco settlement funds that could be employed for the project.

“I can’t think of anything more appropriate than to support the youth of our community,” Allen said. “It’s something that’s been needed for years and years: a vision. It’s quite a plan. It’s going to be an outstanding stadium for the high school.”

Board Chairman Kevin Cann concurred and asked for more specific financial information about the project.

Benson said that providing funding for something like this would normally be done during the county’s budget process in the late summer. “But the board has the perogative to move forward at a quicker pace,” he said.

Supervisor Janet Bibby urged the board to move quickly, as Proposition 40 funds must be spent and their projects completed by Dec. 31. “We’ve got to spend those funds,” she said.

Azevedo explained to the board the importance of collecting gate revenue at football games. “The football gate is the sole funding to pay officials for all sports,” she said.

Supervisor Lyle Turpin understood the urgency. “Let’s get the Prop 40 process started now,” he said. “Let’s get a project completed this year.”

Although the board took no formal action, direction was given to staff to ascertain the status of Proposition 40 funds within two weeks.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS STORY, OR READ OTHER COMMENTS, VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MARIPOSAGAZETTE. COMwidespread concern, Cann agreed that the hearing should be rescheduled. “People want an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

Schenk said the process could now include a public workshop to make sure the policies are “as clear as they need to be to get at the confidence issue.”

Attorney Don Starchman told the board that the rescheduling was a good idea. “I think the final answer is where we’d all like to be,” he said. “The whole document needs to be opened and brought back to the board.”

Cann said the process will likely take place “significantly” in the future. “Whether that’s August or November, we will give substantial notice.”

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