Texas Motorplex plans move from Ennis to Grand Prairie

Abstract

GRAND PRAIRIE - The Texas Motorplex is expected to create 6,692 permanent jobs for the Metroplex and have an economic impact of $474.8 million after five years if the track moves from Ennis to Grand Prairie, according to an economic impact study.

The employment count includes 2,700 jobs for Grand Prairie, where the track is expected to increase the city's tax revenue by $3.2 million per year and the school district's revenue by $2.8 million a year, according to a study by The Perryman Group.

Diana Miller, economic development director for the city of Grand Prairie, said the city hired The Perryman Group to do the study because it did a similar study on Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, and its figures were very conservative.

GRAND PRAIRIE - The Texas Motorplex is expected to create 6,692 permanent jobs for the Metroplex and have an economic impact of $474.8 million after five years if the track moves from Ennis to Grand Prairie, according to an economic impact study.

The employment count includes 2,700 jobs for Grand Prairie, where the track is expected to increase the city's tax revenue by $3.2 million per year and the school district's revenue by $2.8 million a year, according to a study by The Perryman Group.

Track owner Billy Meyer already has begun dirt work for the track on 500 acres on the south side of Interstate 30, east of MacArthur Road and west of Loop 12.

But Meyer must wait until November to see if Grand Prairie voters approve a 1/4cent sales tax to help finance the $65 million project.

Diana Miller, economic development director for the city of Grand Prairie, said the city hired The Perryman Group to do the study because it did a similar study on Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, and its figures were very conservative.

The Perryman Group's forecast far outshines the track's economic performance in Ennis, said Steve Howerton, Ennis city manager.

"The facility creates less than 70 full-time positions, with the majority of the employment being seasonal," he said.

Overall, the Ennis track employs about 300 people, but most of the jobs are lowpaying, seasonal positions, Howerton said.

Still, Perryman's study says a track in Grand Prairie, with its central location near other tourist venues, would create a more substantial economic impact than in Ennis.

"Ennis is somewhat removed from the other entertainment venues," the study said. "If the facility were to move to the Metroplex it would allow the track to create the impact it's capable of because of the synergy around it. The number of employees and attendance will increase because more people will have access to the track."

"If the Motorplex relocates to Grand Prairie," track owner Meyer said, "it will be the largest economic impact brought to the city."

Grand Prairie's economic development director agrees.

"Right now, Lone Star Park is our largest economic generator," Miller said. "If the Motorplex comes to Grand Prairie it will bring with it other industries that have to do with racing, making it the largest economic engine in the city."

It is projected that the Motorplex will support the development of more than 2,000 housing units, more than 3 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space and more than 1,000 hotel/motel rooms.

The Perryman Group projects that 30% to 50% of the industrial development will take place in Grand Prairie, which already is home to the Great Southwest Industrial District.

According to the study, the Motorplex is expected to generate $95.8 million in economic activity and 1,019 jobs during construction. About 50% of this activity will directly impact Grand Prairie.

The Perryman Group recorded data for its economic impact study during a three-day National Hot Rod Association event in April, which was attended by more than 112,000 people. The focus was on ticket revenue generated from that event.

On Nov. 2, Grand Prairie voters will cast their ballots regarding the Motorplex.

Voters will decide whether or not to bring the track to the city and increase the sales tax 1/4-cent to help finance the project.

Meyer said polls show that people are for the project.

"The citizens are intelligent and want to vote to improve the quality of life of the city as well as boost their economy," Meyer said.

If the sales tax isn't approved, construction will cease. If the referendum passes, construction will continue on the facility and it is expected to open in May 2001.