SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A proposed $9 million downtown fieldhouse is one step closer to reality in Salina but the process is far from complete.

The Salina City Commission on Monday gave preliminary approval to the proposed fieldhouse, which supporters say would solve a longstanding lack of indoor recreational offerings in Salina.

The Salina Journal reports  the resolution directs city staff to continue discussions about the fieldhouse and the process for final approval could take until 2017.

The vote came after private investors raised their financial commitment to the project to $4.5 million, with the city providing the rest of the funds.

Supporters say the fieldhouse would be for practices, league games, tournaments and other activities.