Convention center eyed for Flathead

A $70 million convention center with a 150-room hotel and indoor water park may be destined for the Flathead Valley.

Montana West Economic Development Corp. said Friday it is working with a Midwest company to perform a feasibility study for a project that would create more than 400 jobs and generate $2.5 million annually for the state’s bed tax fund.

A site hasn’t been picked yet, said Jessica Rogers of Montana West. “It’s definitely in the development stage,” she said.

The developer is a former Flathead Valley resident who still lives here part time. He plans to dedicate the center to the memory of his wife, who died from cancer.

Rogers said more details will be forthcoming after the feasibility study is done.

The resort complex — to open in 2015 if deemed feasible — would feature jogging and biking trails, an outdoor ice rink and cross-country ski trails. At least six entertainment venues are proposed, with a 45,000-square-foot water park that would feature a wave pool.

The convention center would be able to accommodate groups of up to 1,500 people and banquets for 2,000.

Montana West President Kellie Danielson issued a statement, saying “there have been conversations in the local communities the past few years about the benefit of a convention/event center. I am pleased that a developer is willing to invest in a discovery process of the sustainability of an amenity community stakeholders have long thought they needed.”