Editorial: Theme park could be just what Williams needs

People have been talking about building a theme park in Williams for quite some time now. Last week the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the geographic boundaries and governing body of a theme park district.

Details about what exactly a theme park would look like are vague at this point. But the proposed location is just north of I-40 on the Gonzales Ranch property.

The district allows developers to take out bonds to pay for the project and tax users of the park to pay the bonds back. It also gives developers a property tax exemption. In other words, the developers won't pay any property tax.

City Manager Brandon Buchanan said the city will benefit from property tax paid by new hotels, restaurants and housing the theme park project might generate outside the district.

City officials estimate that a new theme park and other development could translate into $3.5 million to almost $4.5 million in sales tax dollars for the city of Williams per year.

That kind of growth would be a good thing for Williams. A new electric substation in Williams paves the way for development.

But water is still a rare commodity in Williams. Developers will have to find a water source of their own to move forward.

A theme park would bring more jobs to Williams and increase the city's budget. The project could provide the necessary funds to fix infrastructure like aging roads and water pipes.

If a theme park project moves forward, we hope city officials put together a development agreement that requires developers to invest in Williams for the long haul.

Williams needs a shot in the arm. Maybe this is it.