The Senate last week approved a law establishing a special taxing district that would finance a large amusement park in northern Arizona near Grand Canyon National Park and a smaller park in Phoenix.
The 17-to-11 vote sends the measure to the House.
The proposed Theme Park and Vehicle Support Facility District could levy an additional 9% sales tax at the parks to support up to $1 billion in revenue bonds for the $3 billion project. Bond proceeds could be used to build entertainment facilities in the district as well as roads and water systems.
HB 2365 calls for a park on 1,000 acres at the edge of the small town of Williams at the intersection of Interstate 40 and State Route 64, the road to the Grand Canyon. Another park by the same operators would be built on 60 acres west of Phoenix.
In addition to entertainment facilities, the park in Williams is expected to include a recreational vehicle dealership and maintenance operation, along with a luxury parking area for motor homes.
