A new convention center is proposed to be built in Hays.

Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development Executive Director Aaron White talked about the plans Friday with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.  The city asked the coalition to form a taskforce for the project.

The convention center will be located just south of the Holiday Inn Express north of I-70 and is projected to open in 2014.

Fort Hays State University is leading the effort as developer.

White says the 20-thousand square foot, $5 million facility will be funded with a Community Improvement District.  A 1/2 cent sales tax will be assessed within the CID participating properties for an anticipated  11 years.

CID members will consist of motels and restaurants both north and south of I-70, as well as Wal-Mart.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Jana Jordan estimates a new convention center will draw another 4 to 5 thousand visitors to Hays each year.  She says the average conventioneer spends 175 dollars a day in the host town.

The convention center will also be available for private functions, and will be part of a new Culinary Arts program at North Central Kansas Technical College.

Watch the story tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.