A feasibility study is in the offing regarding the construction of a new conference center in the southwest corner of Colorado.
Montezuma County officials have for several years contemplated the idea of building such a facility in the hope that it would attract business conventions, fairs, music events, and other functions.
As discussed, the project would most likely go up in the county seat of Cortez and would measure around 20,000 square feet.
Earlier this year it was suggested by members of the Montezuma County Commission that the facility could be built at the south end of the Montezuma County Fairgrounds off of U.S. Route 160 in Cortez.
Another proposal has raised the possibility of re-purposing a 66,000 square foot building that once housed a Walmart outlet. That building, which has been vacant for several years, is located in the Cortez Plaza at 1835 East Main Street.
County officials have estimated that it could cost up to $7 million to build the new center, a building that would most likely include one large assembly hall, a series of meeting rooms, a kitchen, and perhaps even an outdoor theater.
It has also been suggested that while Montezuma County would pay to have the new structure built, the City of Cortez and several business organization might absorb its operational expenses.
Both county and city officials are expected to decide later this year on whether to authorize the feasibility study as a necessary first step in getting the center built.
By Garry Boulard
