VALENTINE, Neb. – A proposal to help fund a new Valentine Wellness Center remains in limbo after the Nebraska Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Board chose not to take action during its Friday meeting.

Valentine City Council President and ex officio Mayor Kyle Arganbright was the only person to testify in person in favor of the project, which seeks state support through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act.

The board, chaired Friday by Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly in the absence Gov. Jim Pillen, also heard a request from the City of Valley for a separate sports complex but did not act on that proposal either. However, the board could vote at its next meeting in November.

Last time the board met it didn’t take any action on any of the proposals and has since not revisited those projects for possible approval. During a hearing, the board can approve or deny funding for the project or not take any action, like it did in the Valentine case.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, the Valentine City Council has discussed a publicly owned sports complex for several years. The latest plan calls for two multipurpose courts, a fitness center, a walking track, coaching classrooms and parking facilities.

Valentine wellness center designs
Valentine wellness center designs  

 

Although the council has not formally approved the project itself, members voted to pursue potential funding through the state’s financing act.

Valentine wellness center designs
Valentine wellness center designs  

 

In the board’s history, it has approved funding for only two projects — the Kearney SportsPlex and the Liberty First Credit Union Arena (formerly the Ralston Arena) — both before Gov. Jim Pillen took office and became chair of the board.