Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, Inc.

News

Kaffenberger Statement - April 11, 2008

NAU Leader Sees Hope for Havasu University - April 13, 2008

Future of 4-year university still alive - April 11th, 2008

ULLERY CALLS BILL 1110 ‘A MONEY GRAB’ - March 5th, 2008

LAKE MONEY SHOULD GO TO LAKES, NOT ELSEWHERE - February 22nd, 2008

CONTACT POINT STATE PARK MARINA - February 5th, 2008

NAU INTERESTED IN HAVASU UNIVERSITY - February 1st, 2008

CITY LOOKING TOWARDS DIVERSIFYING JOBS AS HIGH PRIORITY - November 15th, 2007

SEEING PROMISE IN EMPTY LAND - SEPTEMBER 20th, 2007

P AND Z COMMISSION HEARING - AUGUST 2, 2007

PROPOSED UNIVERSITY REZONING DISCUSSED - AUGUST 2, 2007

CITY OK'S MARKETING STUDY TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL STUDENTS FOR PROPOSED UNIVERSITY - July 10th, 2007

BACKER OF HAVASU 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY SAYS FUNDING PLAN IS READY - June 12, 2007

HAVASU'S NEWEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN - APRIL 2007

PROPOSED NEW UNIVERSITY AND LAND PLAN - APRIL 2007

UNIVERSITY PLANS COMING TO FOREFRONT - MARCH, 2007

PROPOSED LAND SITE AS OF MARCH 2007

CITY COUNCIL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 26, 2006

OFFICIALS SURVEY CAMPUS LOCATION - JULY 12, 2006

SHORELINE LOCATION NOW FAVORED FOR CAMPUS SITE - JUNE 8, 2006

CITY COUNCIL'S APPROVAL



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The Havasu Foundation for Higher Education has been very active since its inception. "We've been working with the City and with NAU on several ideas over the past few months. We want to let people know what's going on," President Floyd Hamilton said.

The Havasu Foundation was organized in spring 2004, and held its first meeting June 2004. Over 200 individuals attended that event. Since then the HFHE has been recruiting members. The foundation held its second annual meeting in February 2005. Havasu Foundation Membership Chair Connie Blevins said, "There are over 1800 members in the organization now, and we expect that number to go over 2000."

Harold Vangilder from the Sierra Vista Foundation offered insights on the Sierra Vista experience in building University of Arizona South, at the February 2005 General Meeting.

Harold Vangilder spoke frankly to the Havasu Foundation, Hamilton said. "We were really inspired by what Harold had to tell us and we thought our membership ought to hear what he had to say about getting a university in our town."

Havasu Foundation board member Jo Navaretta, who is also on the LHUSD board, commented, "To get a university, we need a strong K-12 system, and having a university will contribute to strengthening the K-12 schools."

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DATE:       April 11, 2008
TO:            News Outlets and Citizens of Lake Havasu City
FROM:      City Manager Richard Kaffenberger
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OF 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY IN LAKE HAVASU CITY

A recently completed survey for Northern Arizona University (NAU) indicates there is strong student interest in a 4-year university in Lake Havasu City.  While the study offered long-term recommendations for a residential campus here, NAU officials and Lake Havasu City representatives agreed Thursday to continue moving forward on developing an NAU facility at this time.

Most of the citizens of Lake Havasu City are well aware of the City’s support and involvement in the master planning of a 4-year university in our community.  This involvement goes back several years, coinciding with the establishment of a volunteer organization called the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education (HFHE).  The conceptual design, campus location and prospective courses of study have taken many different tracks over the years.  Fortunately, the HFHE did not view each change as a failure because with each course correction, the vision of the project became a little clearer.  NAU expressed interest in the project and enthusiasm grew when the ideal campus location was identified near the proposed 320-acre Mainland Marina project at Contact Point.  

The survey was commissioned to determine the level of interest of potential students who may consider Lake Havasu for their residential college experience.  500 college-bound 12- to 16-year-olds within 250 miles of Lake Havasu City were surveyed, along with 400 parents.  The findings suggest that a minimum of 17,000 and upwards of 93,000 potential students within the survey area would be interested in attending college in Lake Havasu City.  With City Council approval, we will begin a comprehensive economic and fiscal analysis that we expect will lead to the first NAU campus building on the site.

RK

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By John Rudolf
Today’s News-Herald, Sunday, April 13, 2008

Due to a lack of funding, the construction of a full-fledged Northern Arizona University campus on Lake Havasu is unlikely any time in the near future. But according to NAU president Dr. John Haeger, who met with city leaders and boosters of the project last week, hope still exists for the project.

“The idea is a good one, but it’s going to take a very long time to build up a substantial student presence,” Haeger said. “It’s not practical now to say we’re going to build a campus all at once. It just isn’t going to happen.”

A recent study of the university project concluded that the high cost of capital construction, and competition from existing schools in California and Arizona, would present major challenges for a Havasu campus. That study has drawn criticism from some locally, who questioned both its cost estimates for the campus, and its conclusions about the desirability of the Havasu campus to students in the region. The study surveyed hundreds of prospective students and parents, and concluded that demand was relatively weak in comparison to existing campuses.

Yet Haeger said his views on the challenges facing the Havasu campus went well beyond the conclusions of the recent survey. He pointed to two other educational studies that showed lagging demand for higher education in the state.

“When you put the three studies together, in my mind, it makes a pretty compelling case that before we could really imagine Northern Arizona University having 1,000 students in Lake Havasu City, we’ve got to do a much better job of graduating students from high school, and getting them to transfer from the community colleges,” Haeger said.

High school graduation rates are 61 percent in Mohave County, 74 percent in Lake Havasu City, and 63 percent in Kingman.

Arizona ranks near the bottom of states in funding for K-12 education, and according to Haeger, only about eight out of 100 8th graders in the state will ever attain a four-year baccalaureate degree.

“The problem is not that we lack universities,” Haeger said. “The problem is, we don’t have enough students in the pipeline.”

Some boosters of the Havasu campus have pointed out that the city’s proximity to the large population centers in southern California and Maricopa County could attract thousands of students. While that was likely true, such a scenario would depend on the construction of an elaborate campus, complete with residential dorms. The university study projected the costs of such a project at about $250 million.

“When you talk about recruiting students from California, now you needs lots of the campus infrastructure,” Haeger said. “That’s where the costs then skyrocket.”

Rather than building a full-fledged university from scratch, Haeger suggested the project be done piecemeal. He said the 320-acre waterfront property identified by the city was an excellent location, and that if the city constructed a small university building, then NAU would likely be interested in a long-term lease of the facility. “I think it’s an excellent location,” he said. “We’d be excited to partner with the community in doing this.”

Haeger pointed out that Northern Arizona University itself has humble roots.

“If you take the long-term view of this, there was a time when we were a single building,” he said. “It’s taken 100 years to produce the institution we have now.”

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Today's News Herald - April 11th, 2008

A survey conducted by Northern Arizona University indicating that Lake Havasu City isn’t quite ready for a four-year university may have dampened enthusiasm by the Foundation for Higher Education, but in reality the project is far from dead in the water.

The survey questioned 500 stu­dents and 400 parents of prospective students in the regional market as to the desirability of a Lake Havasu City location. The authors of the study concluded that the results showed interest in a local campus to be weak in comparison to other better-estab­lished competitors.

Results suggested a wait of three to five years to try the survey process again was recommended.

For all who are in favor of and working toward the establishment of a four-year university, the three- to five-year recommendation wasn’t a complete surprise. Fundraising has begun but that will take lime. Figures presented in the survey estimating an outlay in excess of $250 million to develop the campus also took propo­nents by surprise. Those who want to see the project come to fruition are in it for the long haul.

Of the three scenarios offered in the survey, a “complete campus” was preferred. The complete campus would offer rigorous academic pro­grams, combined with outdoor activi­ty. During beginning discussions for a four-year university, the thought was to offer programs centered around the hospitality business and business in general, but it appears that if stu­dents were coming to Lake Havasu City to attend college, they want a well-rounded offering to choose from.

Plans to move forward with the development of the area in the mean­time bodes well for the future. Progress on a municipal golf course and a marina located in the area will ensure the campus site remains top of mind. Those projects will benefit the community.

In the three to five years that would ensue before another survey is rec­ommended more visible progress on those projects would make more sense to those wanting to move for­ward on the university side of the coin.

The positive impact for Lake Havasu City has been mentioned on this page in the past, but taking a sec­ond look is always helpful. The jobs provided if a college building project were to begin would be a boost. That boost wouldn’t end once the project was complete because teachers and their families would move the Lake Havasu City and students to fill the college would also contribute greatly to the local economy. So the benefits begin before one student walks on cam­pus.

The culture and prestige that accompanies an institution of higher learning is a given.

The continuing work to bring the project to fruition will only be aided by the continual, visual forward progress in the area.

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Rep. McLain says bill gives legislature authority to OK use of SLIF funds

By DIANA PARKER
TODAYS NEWS-HERALD

Backers of a four-year university for Lake Havasu City are waging a campaign to express their disapproval of a move in the Arizona Legislature to appropriate monies from the State Lake Improvement Fund.

Bill Ullery, who founded the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education three years ago and is still the driving force behind it, called Senate Bill 1110 “a money grab.”

“It’s pretty drastic. It totally guts the authority of the State Parks Board and diverts money from the SLIF fund to the general fund,” Ullery said.

He believes the bill threatens the development of a new state park, marina and boat launch at Contact Point, adjacent to land targeted as a potential university campus. Plans for the land, set for disposal by the Bureau of Land Management, also call for a golf course, hotel and housing development.

“That marina at Contact Point is so critical down there. If we don’t get the infrastructure ... we can’t develop any of that land, and it’s SLIF funds that would develop the marina project,” Ullery said.

Rep. Nancy McLain, R¬-Bullhead City, said it’s a misconception that SB 1110 would divert SLIF monies into the state’s general fund.

“The fact that money is being appropriated does not necessarily mean it goes into the general fund,” McLain said.

The bill would give the Legislature the authority to approve the use of SLIF monies rather than leaving that authority to the State Parks Board, she said. The kinds of projects the funds could to go to pay for would remain unchanged.

“Some legislators don’t think the State Parks Board is properly utilizing SLIF funds and this is an attempt to get more control over how SLIF funds are spent,” McLain said. The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s spending is already subject to such legislative appropriation, she said.

Even so, SLIF monies will not remain untouched. Legislators are recommending 25 percent — or about $4 mil¬lion — of SLIF monies be transferred to the general fund as part of the Legislature’s “sweep” of funds to help make up for a $1 billion budget deficit, according to McLain.

Uncertainty about the future of SLIF monies has already lead the City Council to lower the Contact Point marina and boat launch on its list of priorities in favor of a project to dredge South Bridgewater Channel.

In an e-mail to Ullery, McLain said she doesn’t feel the appropriation of SLIF funds is necessary and that she’d vote against the bill if it makes it to the House. As for the broader sweep of funds, McLain wrote, ‘We don’t have much choice.”

“I, along with others, will be working to insure that these funds are restored when our economic situation improves,” she wrote.

SLIF monies come from boat registration and a tax on marine fuel. In fiscal year 2007, the State Parks Board awarded $6.1 million in grants from the fund to pay for improvement projects in five counties. Nearly $4 million went to five projects in Mohave County, including $220,000 for restrooms and a public safety center in Lake Havasu City.

Ullery said there’s a lot at stake for the university project and the city as a whole if SLIF monies are lost, even temporarily.

“These are things that can hurt us, or if not hurt us slow us down,” he said. “It kills the very kinds of projects cities like Lake Havasu need to develop economically.”

Ullery has written legislators and Gov. Napolitano stressing the impact of lake improvement funds on economic development. He’s also encouraging the foundation’s membership, which includes many business and community leaders, to do the same.

Ullery said it will take hundreds of letters from local residents to preserve the funds. In his own letters, Ullery has reminded the politicians of the sizable contributions he has made to representatives of both political parties.

Today's News Herald - February 22nd, 2008

With tax revenue coming in at least a billion dollars less than projected, it’s easy to understand why state legislators are almost down to checking the sofa cushions for spare change.

One place they should not, but probably will, look is in the fund set aside for improving state waterways. Naturally, this area hits close to home since Lake Havasu is arguably the state’s most intensively used lake.

Some seven or eight million dollars each year is raised for the fund, with money coming from portions of watercraft registrations and from fuel sales to boats. For almost four decades, the state Lake Improvement Fund has helped local communities better the recreational opportunities on state waterways.

Local officials expect the SLIF funds to be raided by legislators and are downplaying expectations for major improvements on Lake Havasu this year.

But it’s just recreation, right? With the state grappling to pay for roads and bridges and public safety, why should money for leisure activities ‘not be sacrificed for more important needs?

The easy answer is that the SLIF money produces even more revenue for the cash-hungry state.

Consider, on this weekend alone, a weekend that is in the off-season for boating, hundreds of professional anglers were on Lake Havasu in a $275,000 bass tournament. Those anglers are spending lots of money on lodging and food and in the stores. This produces a variety of tax revenue for the state.

Also, consider, please, a new study that says boating has an economic effect of more than $200 million per year on the community. The study, prepared for the Lake Havasu City Partnership for Economic Development and due for presentation to City Council next week, says boating supports more than 4,600 area jobs and produces more than $27 million in local and state taxes.

It seems inconceivably shortsighted for legislators to cut into programs that produce revenue, even indirectly. But local government is expecting it. City Council recently rearranged its lake improvement spending priorities. A much-needed but relatively expensive city mari-na/boat launch project moved down on the list in recognition that $1.4 million in SLIF funds are in doubt A long-awaited dredging of Bridgewater Channel — a project with safety and water quality issues possibly overshadowing that of’ boater enjoyment — moved up.

Boaters pay their fees to the state specifically to finance lake improvements. The money raised should go to lake improvements. The public shouldn’t tolerate spending the money elsewhere.

— Today‘s News-Herald

HFHE Executive Director Comments:

The SLIF grants directly affect the proposed new mainland marina at Contact Point State Park. It is this project that will provide the roads and infrastructure to the entire 320-acre BLM site, which directly affects the new university campus. HFHE Executive Director Comments:
The SLIF grants directly affect the proposed new mainland marina at Contact Point State Park. It is this project that will provide the roads and infrastructure to the entire 320-acre BLM site, which directly affects the new university campus.

CONTACT POINT STATE PARK MARINA
By Dr. Bill Ullery, 2-5-08


Funding for the new marina is in trouble. Mainly due to some Maricopa County legislators that want to skim off Havasu funds for stuff around Phoenix.

Surely, your yacht club members could make good use of a new modern mainland marina with beaches, lake access, launch ramps, fueling, concessions and support services.

As it is, the launch ramps on the Island and at Windsor are nearly inaccessible for local residents on weekends and holidays. Not only that, but its getting downright dangerous on the roads and water, during busy periods due to congestion.

HFHE, the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, while not a social or yacht club, did go to bat for you boaters at the recent series of public hearings on the city’s General Plan amendments. Those amendments did pass unanimously and will allow the zoning for not only the Contact Point State Park marina, but for the proposed adjacent university site, golf course, and resort hotel. The infrastructure down to the marina will make development of the adjoining projects economically feasible.

HFHE is absolutely apolitical. Our mission is to help our town and its citizens by bringing a residential university to our city. But, we are prepared to step forward when there are others trying to block progress for Lake Havasu City. And, we did aggressively support the marina because it is so important to the other adjoining projects.

Are you yacht club members and boaters going to step up and help HFHE on the marina project?

May I attend one of your future club meetings or meet with your key offices to chat about the problem, what we can do together, and how to help Havasu in the process? Will you share this email with your members and other Havasu boaters?

These are the key questions and issues:

1. Why do we need a mainland marina at Contact Point State Park?

Havasu residents have been talking about a mainland marina for over 30 years. The main issues have always been improved access to the lake for residents, boater safety, traffic safety, and economic development.

Traffic congestion on H-95 and the roads to Windsor State Park the congestion of boaters around Island and the Windsor State Park boat launch ramp area, are increasingly critical public safety issues due to the growing number of accidents, injuries, deaths, and property damage.

For example, on holidays, Windsor State Park typically closes the gates at 9:30 A.M. On a typical summer weekend, the park closes the gates around noon. The closings result in traffic backing up to H-95, resulting in more accidents. All of which makes lake access for residents more difficult.

A 2005 BLM report stated that Lake Havasu had the highest utilization of any lake in Arizona. Also, 75% of all boating activity was located within 33-53% of the lake, much of which is in and around the island and the Windsor State Park boat launch area. By comparison, the lake area west and south of Contact Point State Park is lightly used.

At a City Council meeting September 26, 2006, Arizona State Parks board president Bill Porter, a Kingman attorney, addressed the growing safety issues from the congestion on streets and the highway to Windsor State Park and the number of boats around the island and the park boat launch. He promised action on the new Contact Point marina by his board and emphasized his support for the university project.

2. Is there an economic advantage in adding a new mainland marina?

The primary industries in Lake Havasu City have been tourism and new home construction. However, in a report published by the PED in 2006, the annual economic output of the local marine industry of Lake Havasu City has grown to $191 million. The annual payroll of the marine industry was $29,646,808 and most of those jobs pay well above the average in our town. We think the new mainland marina will be a big boost for our town’s expanding marine industry, related local businesses, and our town’s economy in general.

The close proximity of a major new and modern marina and beaches on one side of the university property and a new championship quality Emerald Canyon type municipal golf course on the other side, is a college recruiter’s dream. Not to mention the Town Center and a resort hotel within a sand wedge distance away. All within two miles of the London Bridge, shopping and a variety of tourist activities unique to the Channel, Village and McCulloch Blvd.

Note the area on the attached map of the current State Park and the 40 acre subset on the west portion of the 320 acres referred to as the Section 24 university site. This 40-acre portion of the BLM land is earmarked for Arizona State Parks to expand Contact Point State Park.

3. Is there a budget and funding?

Fortunately, the City and the State Parks Board have made progress in discussions on roads and infrastructure. Presently, the park is landlocked. Without roads and infrastructure through the BLM 320-acre section, no development is possible.

A 7-12-07 letter by the legislative Joint Committee on Capital Review, recommended a favorable review of the portion of the State Parks Board request on $942,100 in improvements at Lake Havasu State Park. The Committee also requested more information on the $1,500,000 for planning the new proposed Contact Point facility. The funds would be SLIF dollars (State Lake Improvement Fund).

The Committee is aware that Lake Havasu boaters are a major source of SLIF income. The purposes of the Fund are detailed in A.R.S. §5-382.

The Parks Board expects to use SLIF dollars in the future to fund part of the construction estimated at $19,380,000. The various projects include:

$2,200,000 for roads from ADOT.
$1,500,000 for site prep.
$5,$5,420,000 for a marina, fueling station, and boardwalk. A private concession company would operate the marina, similar to the arrangement at Kartchner Caverns.
$1,750,000 parking lot.
$1,000,000 beach area.
$2,500,000 day use area.
$2,500,000 potable and wastewater services.
$2,500,000 boat launch area.


The city is also an applicant for SLIF money. According to a recent 8-16-07 news article, “Previously, the city received $400,000 in SLIF money to participate in the proposed new mainland marina at Contact Point. The city asked for another $700,000 to install buried infrastructure to a new state park facility, which also will assist the effort to place a four-year university on land adjacent to the park.”

However, the funding now appears headed for big trouble.

4. What are the key issues?

a.) Our local residents are in need of better access and improved boat launching facilities, a marina, beaches, and water recreational opportunities.

b.) With the present situation on our lake and the limited facilities on the island and at Windsor State Park, our town has a documented serious problem of safety on the water and on the roads from congestion, particularly on weekends and holidays.

c.) Our town is in need of action to stimulate our economy and the proposed south-side mainland marina should be a nice boost to our tourism and our growing boat manufacturing industries.

4. What can your yacht club and/or boating friends do to help?

a.) Formally endorse the Contact Point State Park marina project.

b.) Write a letter to the City Council, the Arizona State Parks Board, and our three area legislators, emphasizing your club’s support of the Contact Point State Park marina project.

c.) In that letter, emphasize the need to complete the proposed “$5,420,000 for a marina, fueling station, and boardwalk. A private concession company would operate the marina, similar to the arrangement at Kartchner Caverns.”

d.) Given the current shortfall of revenues for state government, suggest consideration of completing the marina portion of the project with funding from alternative sources. >
e.) Emphasize the need to move forward with the entire project given the boating safety and highway traffic issues, the need for better lake access by local residents, and the immediate need for action on the marina project to help stimulate the economy for both our town and the state.

f.) Help identify boaters who are community leaders and who have a desire to help our city and State Parks with the marina project. To that end, perhaps we might consider forming a new group such as a Contact Point Yacht Club.

Will you help?

Thanks!

School will finance study on potential students

By Diana Parker

Today’s News-Herald Friday, February 01, 2008

Diana Parker/News-Herald Photo. Northern Arizona University Vice President Fred Hurst, left, talks with Mayor Mark Nexsen, right, Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education. Also shown is Floyd Hamilton, a past president of the foundation.

When members of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education met Wednesday for the organization's annual meeting, the mood was optimistic and the speeches were inspiring, even though the group's dream of bringing a four-year university to Lake Havasu City is years away.

"Lake Havasu U - how does that sound?" foundation President Ralph Tapscott said to enthusiastic applause. "It's a 10- to 20-year vision, and we've got to start sometime.”

Though a university is still more vision than reality, foundation members seem to prefer focusing on how far they've come rather then dwelling on how far they have to go.

They point to the fact that Northern Arizona University has demonstrated its commitment by financing a study to identify potential students. The results are expected to be released in mid-March, according to NAU Vice President Fred Hurst.

“It’s looking at the market for a residential, four-year universi­ty, how large the market is and what sorts of things would have to be done to recruit those stu­dents to Lake Havasu,” Hurst said. “More and more it is diffi­cult to draw people away from their home area … You have to have a draw."

The study surveys students, parents and high school guid­ance counselors in a potential market area that includes Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Southern California.

“There are two things we’re looking at closely: how to recruit the students needed and how to get the facilities built,” Hurst said. “The money to do that is going to be an issue and is going to take some time to put in place.”

Speaking before the founda­tion Wednesday, Hurst was clear that the responsibility for paying for facilities ---- at a cost of “multiple tens of millions of dol­lars” — would fall on the local community.

“From the beginning we said we knew we didn’t have the bonding capacity to pay for the facilities. What we have committed is staffing — faculty and staff necessary to operate a universi­ty of the size they want,” Hurst said.

Bill Ullery, the local builder who founded HFHE three years ago, believes the proposed uni­versity site will a draw in itself.

On a tour of the property Monday, it might have been no coincidence that he wore sun­glasses with rose-colored lenses as he gazed out over the rolling desert landscape and saw a full-blown university campus with high-rise residence halls, a stu­dent center with a water slide, a performing arts center and a sports complex. Surrounding the campus he envisioned a marina, a world-class municipal golf course and a luxury resort hotel on adjacent private land.

With amenities like these — not to mention the lake and London Bridge just two miles away — it was obvious to Ullery a university would attract the same students who used to come in droves for spring break.

“Realistically, we’re a suburb of Southern California, a recre­ation playground. That’s where we sell this — that’s where we get our students,” Ullery said.

The university plan relies on the City of Lake Havasu City and Arizona State Parks joining to purchase the land, which has been designated for dis­posal by the Bureau of Land Management. A portion would go for the new Contact State Park boat launch and marina.

Though the land has a mar­ket value of $128 million, according to foundation offi­cials, the city and State Parks could acquire it for just $10 an acre if it’s used in the public interest.

Though foundation mem­bers talk as if the land acquisi­tion is a given, “Nothing’s a given in the government,” said BLM spokeswoman Diane Williams.

However, because the land can only go for public use, there’s no possibility of it being snatched up by private develop­er, she said.

Though the city and State Parks may not have competition for the land, they face “quite a drawn-out process” in acquiring it, Williams said.

A development plan and environmental impact studies will have to be submitted.

“And then the Corps of Engineers gets involve,” Williams said.

She had no projections for how long the process would take. BLM hasn’t even received an application for the land yet, she said.

“I’ve heard anything from five, 10, 20 years. It’s not going to happen in the next six months or a year”

Another hurdle could be pre­sented by state budget shortfalls, which threaten the State Lakes Improvement Funds monies that would finance Contact Point State Park.

Ullery said the university project depends on the state park development to provide essential infrastructure, includ­ing access roads and electricity.

“If we don’t get that marina done, nothing else, including the private development, will happen,” Ullery said. “That would set us back years.

By JOHN RUDOLF

Today’s News-Herald, Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:52 PM MST

If the job market in Lake Havasu City were a stool, it would have three legs: tourism, retail and construction.

But with new construction at record lows and the recent fall in the city's bed tax showing a weakening tourism market, that stool is starting to wobble a bit. So with an eye on the future, some city leaders are doing everything in their power to add some new industries into the city's economic mix.

"We have to diversify the economy as much as possible," said Mayor Mark Nexsen. "It's important that we create better paying jobs."

Nexsen has lent his support to two initiatives that hold promise for the city's employment opportunities both in the long and the short term: the 162-acre business park on the north side of town, and the proposed four-year university.

With about $4.5 million in grants already in place from city and federal sources, and the endorsement of site plans by the Army Corps of Engineers expected soon, the business park will likely be up and running long before the four-year university is begun.

We are still very optimistic that we’ll be able to break ground in the first quarter of 2008,” said Gary Kellogg, president of the Partnership for Economic Development.

The Corps is expected to make a decision on the property after the closing of a public comment period in early December. Once the property was secure, potential tenants would be aggressively sought out. “We’ve held back until all these things were nailed down,” Kellogg said. “We didn't want to promote a park that didn’t come to fruition.”

According to mandates that accompany the grants, businesses that use the park must pay employees an average wage of $17.76.

“We’re going to shoot for companies that provide good wages,” Kellogg said. Looking towards the long-term, advocates for a proposed four-year university on the south side of town say that higher education will give the city an unprecedented economic boost.

“You talk about the esoteric benefits of the culture and education a university brings to a town, but our objective from the start is almost totally focused on the goals of economic development for our community,” said Bill Ullery, a board member of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education.

"What is the potential? We’re talking 300 to 400 new jobs,” said Ralph Tapscott, president of the foundation. “Even better than that, it allows people living locally to gain the education they need to get higher-paying jobs.”

Even the promise of a future university might be enough to entice businesses to relocate to the city, Tapscott said.

Several months ago, Thomas Jay Wacker, the founder of Simple-Pedic, a mattress manufacturer, commented that a new university would be an incentive to locate a new factory here.

“It is my hope that one day Simple-Pedic will able to choose Lake Havasu City for its new home,” he wrote, adding that a university-trained workforce would be best equipped to operate his computer-driven machinery.

Tapscott pointed to university towns such as Prescott and Tucson that have used universities to fuel entrepreneurship. “They create entrepreneurs,” Tapscott said.

Eventually, graduates would be able to create their own advanced businesses and also attract better-paying jobs requiring advanced degrees.

“Until you’ve built up that kind of talent pool locally, it’s going to be real hard to attract those kinds of businesses,” he said.

You may contact the reporter at jrudolf@havasunews.com.

By JOHN RUDOLF

Today's News-Herald, Thursday, September 20, 2007 10:12 PM MST

When Bill Ullery looks out on an expanse of dry washes, sandy gulches and scrub brush, he sees not a barren desert, but a thriving community centered on a new four-year university.

“It’s a little bit rough,” he said, looking over the craggy ground. “But our whole town looked like this at one point.”

Ullery, as chairman of the Lake Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, is the city’s biggest booster for a project that he says has the potential to forever alter the town for the better. The project he envisions for this rough patch of desert on the shores of Lake Havasu encompasses not only a full-fledged extension campus of Northern Arizona University, but also a new marina, a park, a sports facility, a performing arts center, new shops, a first-class resort hotel, residential housing and an 18-hole championship golf course.

All that, and maybe even a waterslide from the campus into Lake Havasu.

“It’s a college recruiter’s dream,” Ullery said.

The city’s Planning and Zoning commission recently voted to recommend approval of a measure changing the land-use designation of the proposed university site, sending the measure to the City Council, where it will likely be approved. The measure is part of a concerted effort by the city to secure the 320-acre parcel, since it was made available by the Bureau of Land Management.

Next week, a firm hired by Northern Arizona University will begin a marketing study to determine the feasibility of locating a satellite campus in the city. As part of the study, city officials and community leaders will be surveyed to gauge support for the project

Mayor Mark Nexsen anticipated a positive response from locals.

“I think there is huge support here,” he said.

Estimates of the future student population vary from as low as 2,000 to as high as 10,000, although the most likely size is around 4,500.

The university would be an “economic engine,” Nexsen said, generating new jobs and spurring development, as well as creating a better-educated local work force, potentially attracting new industries to town. The campus and the cultural activities it would generate would also add to the life of the town.

“It’s a real plus from a quality-of-life standpoint,” he said.

The land has been appraised at a value of around $400,000 per acre, but could be acquired by city and state government from the BLM for only $10 per acre, Ullery said. The 100-acre parcel of land where the university would be located had a value of $40 million but would cost Northern Arizona University virtually nothing.

“We’re going to give it to them,” Ullery said. “How do you beat that?”

Developer Jim Komick owns a large swath of land adjacent to the BLM property and has plans to build housing for students and faculty, a resort hotel and a shopping center. Another large parcel of waterfront land, part of the 320 acres, would be the site of a new marina.

Irrespective of the outcome of the university’s marketing study, major hurdles remain for the project. As beneficial as the university and surrounding amenities could be for the area, the city simply did not have the funds to construct the campus and buildings itself, Nexsen said.

“I don’t know what it’ll cost, but we don’t have millions and millions of dollars lying around,” he said. “We have a little thing called the sewer we have to deal with.”

At a cost of more than $400 million, the sewer construction project has made a major impact on the city’s finances for years to come.

There are alternatives to having the city pay for construction, Ullery said. One option pursued by Arizona State University in its new Phoenix campus was the development of a lease agreement with the city, in which the city would finance construction with a bond issue, and the university would pay the financing of the bond through yearly lease payments.

Opposition to the project has come almost exclusively from a small but determined group of homeowners with properties adjacent to the 320-acre parcel. Paul Rhoads lives on Sweetwater Lane and says the development would turn his sleepy side street into a traffic-clogged thoroughfare

“The people who are in favor of this project do not live in our neighborhood,” he said. “The people who live on Acoma, Regency and Sweetwater would pay a heavy price in the way of traffic, noise and lights. I would like to see the college go north of town.”

The proposed development site, however, lies on steeply graded land that descends quickly to the lake. Standing on what he hopes will one day be the boundary of the university, Bill Ullery looked up toward Sweetwater Avenue and the highway. Nothing was visible but hills and barren land.

“It’s just sour grapes,” Ullery said of the homeowners’ complaints. He pointed out an entrance to the college on a diagram of the site, which was far from any homes. “There’s going to be no new traffic on their streets,” he said.

More troublesome to Ullery was the question of time. “I’m a little uneasy about the pace,” he said. “I’d like us to do it like Phoenix and ASU did it: Get the leases done and build it in 2 1/2 years flat.”

You may contact the reporter at jrudolf@havasunews.com.

6 pm, August 22, 2007, Aquatic Center; 6 pm, September 19, 2007, LHC Police Dept

Request for a major amendment to the city’s general plan text creating a new public/semi-public land use designation allowing public and semi-public uses that are owned and/or operated by a governmental, nonprofit, or philanthropic institution that provide educational, recreational, cultural, governments, or other similar uses. And a request for a major amendment to the future land use map of the city’s general plan for a 320-acre site commonly referred to as the 4-year university site described as the south half of section 24, T12N, R20W to change the future land use designation from parks/open space to public/semi-public.

By JOHN RUDOLF

TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD, THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2007

A request by the city to rezone a 320-acre parcel of land for the development of a four-year university, a municipal golf course and a performing arts center came up for public comment and review by the Planning and Zoning commission Wednesday. Bill Ullery, treasurer of the Lake Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, which has been advocating for a four-year university for the city, portrayed the city’s deal with the Bureau of Land Management to secure the parcel — valued, Ullery said, at as much as $128 million — as a potential coup for the city. Other than the cost of environmental studies, there would be no other direct costs to acquiring the land, Ullery said. “There’s no need to put tax dollars into it’ he said.

Located close to downtown and right by the lake, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, the location will be a big draw to out-of-town students, said Conard Blevins, a former city councilman and member of the higher education foundation. “We’ve got perhaps the premier location in the whole state of Arizona,” for a new university, he said. At the conclusion of comments, the zoning board pledged to take up the issue again at its next meeting Aug. 22. There was limited but vehement apposition by residents who said the development of a university, golf course and other facilities would be detrimental to their property values and their quality of life. “I’m not opposed to the college,” said Sweetwater Lane homeowner Paul Rhodes. “I’m opposed to our space being invaded.”

Rhodes said that when he built his home two years ago, he looked out on nothing but open land, designated as such by the federal government. He assumed it would stay that way. “Now we’ve got city and state government making some high-speed deal here. “It’s just not fair’ he said. Rhodes described hiking out on the open land in the early mornings. “There’s two bobcats out there, gray-horned owls, spotted owl, the desert tortoise — I’ve enjoyed all the wildlife. People look out there and they see basically barren land, but that’s not the case. There’s an array of wildlife out there.” Rhodes also worried that college students would cause trouble in the neighborhood. “College kids are not well ¬behaved,” he said. “I have visions of all sorts of people running about in my back yard.”

Ullery said that far from diminishing property values, the college — and particularly the new municipal golf course — would greatly boost the value of homes. “A golf course close to those folks would have a positive impact on the values of their homes,” he said. “Looks to me like a win-win,” One way or another, the city is likely to utilize the land, Ullery said. After a two-year process, which included opportunities for public input, the BLM put the land on the “federal disposal list.” While that land is general reserved for state parks, it was also available to city and state governments, Ullery said. Once the city realized that the land was up for grabs, it scheduled a meeting with the BLM and worked out a deal. To reverse the decision would mean a huge step backward for the federal government, which is unlikely, Ullery said. If the zoning commission and then the City Council approve the zoning alteration, which would change the zoning designation from ”parks/open space” to “public/semipublic,” ground could be broken on roads and basic infrastructure in as little as few months.

By TONY RAAP

Today's News-Herald, Thursday, Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:49 PM MST

The possibility of building a four-year university on the city's south side took a couple of steps forward Tuesday

City Council OK'd several items related to the proposed university, including a marketing study to find out where potential students are and whether they will come here.

The proposed university, which still does not have a cost estimate, would be a joint venture between the city and Northern Arizona University. NAU will be in charge of the study, with the city acting as a liaison, providing NAU access to city resources and to others involved in the campus' planning and development.

NAU will pay for the study, Community Services Director Stan Usinowicz said. He did not know how much it would cost.

The study will try to answer:

• Which geographic landscape would create the greatest student interest?

• How much marketing funding would be needed to bring in the first wave of students?

• How much funding would be needed to sustain a reasonable growth?

• Which curricular offerings are most appealing to the university's demographic?

• What is the university's demographic?

Ralph Tapscott, president of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, said before Tuesday's meeting that the university's student base would come primarily from the surrounding region.

“We all agree that they would come from the West Coast, out of state, Las Vegas, and the other 50 percent of the population would come from in state. But that's pure speculation at this point,” he said.

With any college, the proposed university must attract students. To do so, it has to offer niche programs, Tapscott said. If it were to be a liberal arts college, it would fail.

“I don't mean to bash liberal arts colleges, but there's liberal arts colleges all across the country. We need to find out is there a specialty niche that might draw students from around the region?” Tapscott said.

The project will be done in stages. The next step is developing the land, Tapscott said. Talks have centered on building the college on two 160-acre parcels south of Contact Point off State Route 95 near the lake.

The Bureau of Land Management owns the property and has expressed interest in leasing the land. NAU officials said they liked the idea of being in city limits and within walking distance of the water.

Before construction begins, the city must do a biological assessment and cultural resource survey, both of which council approved Tuesday. The city will pay Southwest Technologies of Flagstaff $10,000 to conduct the studies - $7,000 for the cultural resource survey and $3,000 for the biological assessment.

Parks Director Bill Mulcahy described the biological assessment as the “bugs and the bunnies” study. In it, Southwest Tech will study the land's soil, vegetation, wildlife, threatened species, air quality, etc.

For the cultural resource survey, it will inventory any known archaeological sites. If any American Indian remnants such as arrowheads or fire rings are found, Southwest will turn them over to the Arizona Preservation office, Mulcahy said.

Council in May OK'd a conceptual land use map for the site. It gives the most real estate - 156 acres - to a municipal golf course. A hundred acres is set aside for the university, 40 acres for State Parks future development and 24 acres for a convention and performing arts center.

The city's cultural resource survey and biological assessment only will cover the area for the municipal golf course and performing arts center. NAU will pay for its own studies on the land set aside for the university, Mulcahy said.

The marketing study is expected to be finished in about six months, Usinowicz said. The cultural resource survey and biological assessment should be done by early fall, Mulcahy said.

You may contact the reporter at raap@havasunews.com

City manager’s reaction tepid to possible timeline for financing

By DAVID BELL

TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD, Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Construction of a four-year uni­versity in Lake Havasu City could start in as little as three years.

That’s according to Bill Ullery, a member of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education. Ullery said a financial plan has been worked out that will allow for development of a university in Mohave County.

“With the city as a major partner, we can implement a lease program similar to that of Phoenix and ASU (Arizona State University) and simi­lar to what MCC (Mohave Community College) did with the 800 Building on the Havasu campus. The long-term lease allows bonding, which is used for construction,” Ullery said. “I can see no major impediments to the financing of a campus.”

Bonds would be issued for the total cost to construct the campus and other amenities such as housing and recreational fields. A lease agree­ment with Northern Arizona University would be worked out where a portion of tuition and fees would be used to pay off the bonds by the due date.

While City Council has taken no action on any bonding proposal, council has been consistent in its support of development of a four-year university.

“What we’ve been told is to explore financing options and that is what we’re doing,” City Manager Richard Kaffenberger said.  “For example, we’re looking at naming rights as one avenue.  And there are other things we’ve asked CIAC (Citizens Investment Advisory Committee) to look at.”

A general obligation bond would require a public vote. HFHE President Floyd Hamilton said a vote might not be required for a revenue bond.

“MCC was not required to go to a vote for the 800 Building,” he said.

“We knew we’d never get a penny from the state for a campus. And we knew we wouldn’t get operating money. We figured out a way around it,” Ullery said.

Since a potential location for a proposed four-year uni­versity was identified last sum­mer, things have moved quick­ly in the effort to establish a resident undergraduate and -graduate university in the city.

In February, representa­tives from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix approached HFHE about establishing a campus in Lake Havasu City. GCU was unable to come to agreement with HFHE and the city about securing the land, but that inquiry spurred the local effort to cement the relationship with NAU.

“GCU confirmed we were on the right track with NAU,” Hamilton said.

On May 24, HFHE repre­sentatives, including Hamilton, Lake Havasu City Community Services Director Stan Usinowicz and Vice Mayor Margaret Nyberg went to NAU for a meeting with uni­versity president John Haeger.

“We sat down for two hours and hashed out how this could work,” Hamilton said. “NAU sent a letter to our legislators saying they (NAU) have expressed interest in a Havasu campus. NAU’s next step is to issue a letter of intent”

Haeger was unavailable for comment.

The desired land is made up of two parcels of Bureau of Land Management property totaling 320 acres. The land is adjacent to Partner’s Point, just south of the Water Safety Center at Contact Point, and is bounded by State Route 95.

Diane Williams, spokes­woman for the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, said the parcels have been designated for disposal under the recently updated Area Resource Management Plan.

“Any lease would have to be for recreational and public purposes. Education falls under that criteria,” Williams said.

“NAU is a $l billion boost to the economy of that city (Flagstaff). If we can get any­where near that, we’re looking at huge increases of tax rev­enues to Havasu. If we can increase taxes to the town, that can buy down the burden of the sewer system,” Ullery said. “First and foremost, this has always been an economic development project for the community’

By Dr. Bill Ullery

Havasu’ newest economic development plan starts with a debt-free $128 million asset

The new “land plan” map for the university, marina, golf course, performing arts and convention center, and adjoining resort hotel is on the Havasu Higher Education Foundation’s (HFHE) website, www.havasufoundation.com Click on “News.”

Land Plan: The map was approved by the city council 3-27-07 as recommended by the “Partners.” Chaired by city manager Richard Kaffenberger, the Partners include; the City, NAU, HFHE, BLM, State Parks, MCC, PED, CVB, Havasu Riviera (Ken and Jim Komick), L.H. Schools, and the Chemehuevi Tribe.

The map defines 320 acres of BLM land the city hopes to acquire within the year. It’s next to Contact Point State Park and within yards of the lake. With awesome vistas and near the center of town, it may be the most valuable prime lakefront land in Havasu.

This property is worth over $128 million and certain to appreciate. The BLM disposal process allows governments to acquire title to such public land at from zero to $10 per acre. In this case, a $128 million asset for about $1,290 plus some acquisition costs such as a management plan and ecological impact study.

HFHE with its 1,700 members takes great pride in its role with this acquisition and what it means for the future of our town.

The Bigger Picture: The kingpin project is a marina that could include multiple launch sites, boat slips, beaches, parking, and an educational facility.

Moreover, for years, a priority of the city council was the development of a resort hotel and convention center. It’s been an illusive goal.

However, the Komicks saw the potential of a resort hotel on their adjoining Havasu Riviera land. Such a project became economically feasible with the expanded state park, the marina, an arts and convention center, and the adjoining university campus.

The Komick's portion of the plan also includes a "town center," similar to what is being built at their Foothills development. Included will be shops, restaurants, cantinas, recreational areas, and faculty and student apartments. All as a thriving mixed-use project along the shores of Lake Havasu with a projected value over $1 billion at build-out.

Then add the rest of the elements of the public portion as illustrated on the land plan map, and one can see the magnitude of this project.

Challenges: For example, the southeastern area of the BLM land was too rough to be used for what we had hoped might be a future high school. But, as a golf course like Emerald Canyon in Parker, it could be one of the key elements in attracting the resort hotel and a boost to university enrollments.

The new plan also allocates 24-acres for a fine and performing arts center and convention facility. Thus, with the pieces of the bigger puzzle emerging, all of the key elements of one very powerful economic development project and strategy were in place. Everything interconnected and interrelated. And very much interdependent. A true public-private partnership. A project that could forever change the face and social fabric of our city.

Financing Improvements: The appreciating value of the land along with the revenue generating elements of the larger project, with significant increases in future tax revenues for the city, create all the basic foundations for financing the improvements including the buildings for the university campus. Initially, student tuition and fees will be set to cover all operational costs, building leases, and contingencies. Thus, the business plan will provide the structure to finance all campus construction. Construction that could start within 3 to 5 years.

Mr. Kaffenberger, in his visit to Phoenix, found one of the keys to getting the Phoenix downtown campus project started was an Economic Impact Study. For Phoenix, it gave them a clear picture of the expected outcomes of their downtown university project. And, it was the projected huge increases in tax revenues and the economic impact that motivated that city to get started without delay.

By Dr. Bill Ullery

Check out the impressive colored map of the current land plan for the proposed site of the new university.


Land Plan: This conceptual land use plan was approved by the City Council March 27, 2007. The city’s General Plan will be amended accordingly. The plan was recommended by the “Partners” group as established by the Council last year. Included in this group chaired by city manager Richard Kaffenberger are; the City, NAU, HFHE, BLM, State Parks, MCC, PED, CVB, Havasu Riviera (Ken & Jim Komick), L.H. Unified School District, and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. And yes, NAU is the preferred university partner by formal action of the City Council, May 22, 2007.

The plan centers on the 320 acres of BLM land the city hopes to acquire in 2007. It’s next to Contact Point State Park and within a few yards of the lake. With awesome vistas and near the center of town, it may well be the most valuable prime lakefront real estate in all of Havasu.

You can drive through this area on a limited access dirt road to Partner’s Point. The gate is next to the city maintenance yard on Sweetwater and open mornings only.

This property is worth over $128 million and certain to appreciate. The BLM disposal process allows governments under the R and PP Act to acquire title to such public land at from zero to $10 per acre. In this case, a $128 million asset for about $1,290 plus some acquisition costs such as a management plan and ecological impact study.

This was land that appeared to be earmarked for State Parks until HFHE aggressively stepped in. Former mayor Harvey Jackson helped HFHE uncover this gem as an alternative to another BLM site north of town being considered for the university project

HFHE with its 1,700 members takes great pride in this acquisition and what it means for the future of our town. When in the history of Havasu, has a local group ever presented such an asset and economic development opportunity to our city and its citizens?

Because of the potential appreciation value, HFHE is hoping the Partners group can evolve a land use plan that will enable NAU to apply for the university portion of some 100 acres, which is presently valued at over $40 million. (As a comparison, MCC’s Havasu campus is about 17 acres.) Later in this article, we’ll discuss some options for constructing and leasing buildings for university use.

Challenges and Reality: One challenge is the small population of county. Simply stated, our town does not have the population base to support a full campus of a university operation.

But, for that matter, neither does Flagstaff and all of Coconino County. Actually, Havasu now has a larger and faster growing population than Flagstaff. So, how can NAU make a go of it in Flag? A campus that now has a billion dollar-a-year impact on the local economy?

The simple answer is non-resident students. NAU in Flagstaff draws 97% of its students from all over Arizona and the neighboring and northern states. Particularly, students from California. Fortunately, Arizona is a part of a western states compact (under A.R.S Title 15, Article 8) that allows students to attend colleges in our region at affordable near in-state tuition rates.

Given Havasu’s traditional draw from the southern California area for tourists and homebuyers, as well as being a major destination for spring-breakers from all over our nation, our town is uniquely positioned to draw on this historical market base for non-resident and Arizona students. There’s no rocket science to this basic and simple strategy. It works for Havasu! And, of course, the lake is the big draw as is the climate, clean air, low crime, good government, and friendly residents.

More Challenges: For example, we simply can’t afford to tackle the university project independent of a much larger set of economic development goals and elements.

Thus the reason for the proposed land use plan as depicted in the map. But, the kingpin project is a major new marina with a small expansion of Contact Point State Park. In a marina plan proposed by Ken and Jim Komick, there would be multiple launch sites, boat slips, beaches, parking, comfort stations, and even an educational facility.

This project has been talked about and advocated for over 30 years. Fortunately, the city and State Parks have made progress with some formal agreements on roads and infrastructure. All of which would be crucial to the university project. State Parks is also making application for ADOT grants for road construction and intersections on H-95. Things are happening!

As noted by State Parks board president Bill Porter, a Kingman attorney, the growing safety issues from the congestion on streets and the highway to Windsor State Park and the number of boats around the island require action. The Contact Point marina will help save lives while giving a big boost to Havasu’s economy and boating industry.

Since Contact Point State Park and the private property of the Komicks adjoin the BLM 320 acres, acquisition of the BLM land by the city and NAU will enable a better overall master plan, including infrastructure for the bigger project. More importantly, the master planning the entire site will allow the smaller components to move forward. The Partner’s intention with a plan of this magnitude, constructed with all entities involved, is to create a major new landmark for the both the City and the County.

The Bigger Picture: There’s a lot more to the bigger picture and what is being considered with the land plan. For example, for years the number one priority of the city Council in its annual contract with the PED, was the development of a resort hotel and convention center. But, it was not ever an accomplishable goal. Until that is, Ken and Jim Komick looked at the bigger picture.

Several months ago in a meeting with HFHE, the Komicks suggested the possibility of a resort hotel on their adjoining Havasu Riviera private land. The expanded state park, the marina, and the adjoining university campus, presented many of the essential elements to make consideration of a resort hotel economically feasible.

The Komick's portion of the master plan also includes a "town center," similar to that planned at their Foothills development east of Cherry Tree Blvd. Included would be shops, restaurants, cantinas, recreational areas, and possibly, some faculty and student apartments. The town center could be a thriving mixed-use project along the shores of Lake Havasu. The proposed town center, resort hotel and residential community could be valued at over $1 billion at build-out. All on private land and with a huge economic benefit to Lake Havasu.

Then add the rest of the elements of the about to be acquired BLM section as illustrated on the land use plan map, and one can see the magnitude of this project. The bigger picture. The most significant economic development effort ever undertaken by our city.

More Challenges: For example, the far southeastern area of the BLM land is so rough as to not be useable for what we had hoped might be a future high school. To golfer Mayor Nexsen, it had the topography of the Emerald Canyon Golf Course in Parker. Which lit a light for Mr. Kaffenberger. The golf course idea could be one of the key elements in attracting the long desired resort hotel and convention center. And, a very attractive addition next to the university campus as a complement to the recreational opportunities of the lake.

Which then led to the concept of allocating a small portion of land next to the proposed resort hotel (also adjacent to the university site), for a fine and performing arts center and convention facility. Models from other cities have included a sports arena in the design with little additional cost.

Thus, with the pieces of the bigger puzzle emerging, all of the key elements of one very powerful economic development project and strategy were in place. Everything interconnected and interrelated. And very much interdependent. A true public-private partnership.

An exceedingly valuable property to be ultimately owned by the city and NAU and earmarked for economic development. All within the guidelines of the complex BLM disposal process. A project that could forever change the face and social fabric of our city. A project with a huge potential impact on our economy. And clearly, the potential of huge increases in sales tax and property tax revenues.

Moreover, the expanded proposal includes a potential large profit center in the new marina (the details of which have not yet been addressed by the city and State Parks). And, the profit potential of a revenue generating championship quality municipal golf course anchored with the resort hotel. (The golf course revenues could be used only for activity only within the public portion of the plan.) Add to the mix, a multi-use facility of fine and performing arts, convention center, and sports arena. All positioned next to the new university.

The appreciating value of the land along with the revenue generating elements of the larger project, with significant increases in future tax revenues for the city, create all the basic foundations for financing the improvements including the buildings for the university campus. For the university campus, student tuition and fees can be set to cover all operational costs, building leases, and contingencies. Such leases become the primary vehicle for financing construction.

So, there it is. The bigger picture. All of which is quite accomplishable. But, how long will it take?

The Phoenix and Sierra Vista Projects: One example might be that of Phoenix’s new downtown university campus. It took that town with a much larger government bureaucracy, only 2 ½ years to open the doors on their new campus. They projected initially, 2,500 students. But, they opened in September 2006 with 4,000 students.

What motivated that accelerated effort was the potential huge increases in tax revenue and the projected economic impact on all of Phoenix, particularly the downtown area.

In another example, the small town of Sierra Vista spent possibly 20 years getting the land and its campus up and operating. Their non-profit foundation with the city as a partner did it without a dime from the legislature. Sierra Vista also faced resistance from competing interests in Maricopa County. And, their project was not supported initially by Arizona University and the Board of Regents. The Sierra Vista campus was a totally locally initiated and funded project.

In contrast, HFHE in only three years has brought this project and the land acquisition process to where we are today. We’re only about 17 years ahead of the Sierra Vista model.

Maricopa and neighboring counties are already jockeying for the next state university campus. But, are they ready to pony-up a $40 million hunk of prime lakefront land with knockout vistas for a university campus? Next to a marina, performing arts center, resort hotel, convention center, a community center and shopping area, anchored with a championship golf course? All within a mile of the center of town?

The answer is NO. Moreover, their expectation is that the legislature will fund everything. Which is a real “pie in the sky.” We’ll just have to see if they have the political muscle to pull that off. In the meantime, Havasu has a plan that will require no state funding for buildings and campus operations.

Degrees and Programs: We get lots of questions and suggestions on the degrees and programs that might offered. NAU president Dr. John Haeger’s initial guess of a focus for programming was that of the allied health technical professions. Primarily because of the lack of degree programs in this field within the present Arizona university system. Moreover, many health field programs within the southern California college system have 3-4 year waiting lists for admission. There are also shortages of available workers and the pay is very good in these fields.

Such a medical technical focus would be a good base for growing a broader range of degrees and offerings such as teaching. Moreover, allied health 4-year technical programs also have a strong liberal arts component, particularly in the sciences. It’s just sometimes called “general education.”

Dr. Haeger also suggested rethinking the university delivery system for such a new and potentially innovative campus. A campus boarding the lake with all its summer attractions offers new options. One possibility would be 4-year programs compressed into three years by simply shortening some of the school vacations. Students and parents save money while getting the benefits of a good-paying job a lot sooner.

Also important for Havasu is that faculty, staff and administrators of health programs are paid very well. Those folks have considerable disposable income. It’s quite a contrast to the low-paying hospitality jobs of a tourist town.

The medical industry in Lake Havasu City needs to take note of this likely evolution of medical technical programs and begin to mobilize support for this project. The influx of well-trained medical educational professionals and motivated quality medical students would be a welcome addition to our community. Particularly, with our aging population and their medical service needs. It’s also another potential growth industry for Havasu.

NAU, MCC and GCU: It is also notable that NAU already has in place on the Flagstaff campus, world-class hospitality management and technical programs. Many of which could be easily replicated on the proposed NAU Lake Campus.

NAU also has been recently re-affirmed by the legislature and Regents as the primary delivery institution of university level education to rural Arizona. So, there’s a good fit with the proposed Havasu Lake Campus project.

There is also a key role for MCC. Having been a faculty member of both Ball State University and the University of Illinois, the CEO of an entire statewide system of 2-year colleges, and a State Director of Vocational Education, I have a little knowledge of what might be in store for MCC. Also, having worked or visited most 2-year college systems in the country, I have never seen or heard of 2-year college that did not reap tremendous benefits from a close relationship and proximity to a university. So, for MCC, it’s all good news.

Let’s chat a minute about the recent proposal of a possible campus of Grand Canyon University.

Because of federal laws and BLM regulations, GCU as a private for-profit corporation would have had to pay fair market value for that BLM land. And at 100 acres or about $40 million, that was quite a hurdle. GCU did not have the $40 million.

Financing, Bonds, Buildings: What about financing buildings for the proposed university campus? Fortunately, Mr. Kaffenberger has some sound ideas for financing the larger project. Moreover, we have some folks on the HFHE board with solid experience in finance and campus development. For example, Mohave State Bank CEO Ralph Tapscott takes the helm as HFHE president July 1.

In addition, current president Floyd Hamilton was an MCC board member for 10 years and as board president, played a major role in the development of both the Bullhead City and Havasu MCC campuses. I have similar experiences from my years in higher education.

Floyd points to the current 800 building on the Havasu MCC campus as an example of sound facility financing. MCC and NAU developed a simple lease agreement for that building which guaranteed MCC a source of revenue for 5 years. Based on the value of the property, the value of the building, and the 5-year guaranteed lease, MCC readily found low-interest bonds to finance construction of the 800 building. Which was paid off free and clear in 5 years.

NAU has such arrangements in other areas of the state and the method is a widely accepted practice of doing business not only for universities, but also for cities, counties and states.

There are also other bonding options such as those used by several of the churches in our town in financing new buildings and major renovations.

For NAU, it’s a straightforward management process and business plan. If they have students and the prospect of reasonable growth, they can do the deal. The non-resident students including those from Arizona are the key. Initially, student tuition and fees will be set to cover all operational costs, building leases, and contingencies. Thus, the business plan will provide the structure to finance all campus construction. Construction that could start within 3 to 5 years.

Market and Economic Impact Studies: A part of any sound management plan is the marketing study process. NAU presently has underway, a multi-faceted market study and management plan for the proposed Havasu campus. That study should reveal those career fields where there are shortages in technicians and shortages of degree programs in both Arizona and California. And, a shortage of applicants for well-paying job opportunities.

So, what about the management planning and financial studies our city needs to approach the larger project? Planning that addresses all the elements including the city’s role in the marina, the resort hotel, the fine and performing arts center, convention center, and sports arena (all in one facility), the municipal golf course, and the university component?

The answer can be found in what Mr. Kaffenberger has already discovered in his visit to Phoenix. The key to getting the Phoenix downtown campus project started was an Economic Fiscal Impact Study. For Phoenix, it gave them a clear picture of the expected outcomes of their downtown university project. And, it was the projected huge increases in tax revenues and the economic impact that motivated the Phoenix city council and the voters to get started without delay.

The Phoenix voters readily approved a $220 million dollar bond issue to jump-start their project. But, that won’t work in Havasu. And, nobody I know has any intention of going to the voters for anything.

We think Mr. Kaffenberger has a lot to work with considering the unanimous votes of support from the two previous city councils, and the support of current mayor Nexsen and the six council members (all unanimous votes to date). He also has the solid support of the Partners and the HFHE with its 1,700 members.

What Can You Do: With the total support of the entire community and the key business and profession groups in our town, we can get the larger project done. And get it done soon.

If you would like to join HFHE and help us with this project within the larger framework of economic development, please log onto our website and click on the membership form. There is also an opportunity to contribute money as it takes hard cash to keep this project and HFHE’s efforts going. Click on; http://www.havasufoundation.com/ 6/1/07

BY MICHAEL HAYS
Today’s News-Herald, Thursday, March 1, 2007

If someday a four-year univer­sity should call Lake Havasu City home, it would likely need to share the 320-acre site with a golf course, performing arts center, resort and more.

At Tuesday’s meeting, City Council members got a first glimpse of a conceptual land use map. It gives the most real estate, 156 acres, to a municipal golf course. The map sets aside 100 acres for the school, 40 acres for State Parks future development and 24 acres for a convention and performing arts center.

No size allotment is given for a resort, which is depicted adjacent to the arts center.

Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University, a private, accredited Christian school in Phoenix, are considered to be the top two interested institu­tions.

Floyd Hamilton is the president of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, an organization of 1,700 members dedicated to bringing academic institutions to town. Mohave Community College does have a local campus.

So why such a large golf course?

Hamilton said the rough, rocky terrain is conducive to building a “signature golf course” similar to Emerald Canyon near Parker.

“It’s green, next to university and compatible with all other uses there,” he said.

The Bureau of Land Management owns the property, two 160-acre parcels adjacent to the Arizona State Parks Marina south of Contact Point. BLM has expressed interest in leasing the land for public use.

“Education, recreation and public uses…these elements would fit the (require­ment,” Hamilton said.

One hundred acres would dwarf NAU’s Flagstaff campus. According to its Web site, the school has 738 acres. The Flagstaff campus has the potential to expand, while GCU’s Phoenix hub has 90 acres but is landlocked, said Hamilton.

Another important question remains for the city to tackle: Which university to part­ner with?

“We have to either screen in or screen out one of these two universities. Which one is the best?” Hamilton said.

NAU still is interested, said Fred Hurst, vice president for extended programs at the college. He described his institution as being “sort of on hold” because Grand Canyon threw its hat in the ring in January. Hamilton is meeting with Brent Richardson, GCU’s chief executive offi­cer, on March 8.

Richardson did not respond to requests for comment in time for this story.

Prices on leasing land from BLM vary greatly, depending on its ultimate use, Hamilton said.

For a private, for-profit institution like GCU, the low end of the scale begins at $400,000 an acre, Hamilton said. Whereas NAU, a public university, could get the land for a lot less.

Although costs associated with land acquisition, construction and operations are important, Hurst said student demand is their highest concern.

“Probably more important than (costs) is would we have the students required to make a campus successful?” he said. “From the beginning, we emphasized to folks at Lake Havasu City that we didn’t think the population would be enough. It would need to be a residential campus drawing from (outside states).”

If the city goes with his employer, Hurst said NAU would conduct a market­ing study.

Hamilton did say that because the Havasu Foundation has been working with NAU for years, it would tend to favor the Flagstaff school because of its public nature, established programs and lower tuition.

‘The downside is we have to work through the Board of Regents, state Legislature and a lot of hurdles,” he said. “With GCU, they are private. They can come in and not jump through all those hoops.”

On Feb. 2, a group of various stakeholders agreed to the map, City Manager Richard Kaffenberger said Tuesday. The groups include Havasu Foundation for Higher Education, Havasu Riviera, BLM, Arizona State Parks, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, NAU, MCC, the Lake Havasu Unified School District and Partnership for Economic Development.

The red area is the site we are proposing to be used for a University.

LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ
A packed city council chamber was in evidence at a special Lake Havasu City Council meeting yesterday to hear a progress report on a proposed four-year university for the city. The residence institution would be built on Bureau of Land Management land next to the lake and many in the community are excited about it becoming a reality in a relatively short time. City Manager Richard Kaffenberger told TSN “task forces will explore intergovernmental agreements” and exploring a study for marketing and economic impact.: He added, he is certain there would be “tremendous interest” and it could be happen within five years, saying “I have no doubt this is a doable thing…the primary market will be California from students who want to come to Lake Havasu City to attend the university, and from locals from Mohave County.”

e-Press, Wednesday, September 27, 2006

By TONY RAAP
Today's News-Herald, Thursday, Wednesday, July 12, 2006 11:09 PM MDT


Northern Arizona University officials visited Lake Havasu City Wednesday to explore the possibility of building a four-year university on the city's south side.

The proposed university would be a joint venture between NAU, the city and Lake Havasu Unified School District No. 1. John Haeger, Northern Arizona University president, spoke about the groups' progress at a public luncheon at the Lake Havasu City Association of Realtors building.

“This is a very exciting project for the university,” Haeger said. “I thought the meetings (with the city and the school district) were very, very good.”

The project, which still does not have a cost estimate, will be done in stages. The next step is developing the land, Haeger said. Talks have centered on building the college on two 160-acre parcels south of Contact Point off State Route 95 near the lake.

“I can visualize a campus there,” he said. “At the end, you got to trust your gut. If you can see a building there and see something happening, that in the end is how the decision is made-on that basis.”

The Bureau of Land Management owns the property and has expressed interest in leasing the land. NAU officials said they liked the idea of being within city limits and within walking distance of the water. Before construction begins, there are several issues that need to be addressed, the most important of which is size, Haeger said.

“We have to realize: What's the size we're talking about?” he said. “Is Lake Havasu City in the next 10 years going to have a university of 20,000 students? The answer's no, that's not going to happen. Could it eventually have a campus of 1,000? 5,000? Yeah, but it's going to take a substantial amount of time.”

This is not a two- or three-year project, Haeger said. It will take at least 10 to 20 years for the college to mature into a several-thousand-student campus.

“What we're involved in right now is something that's going to happen in full bloom long after any of us are connected with it,” he said. “In a sense, we're doing something for this community and for this university that other people are going to enjoy the benefits of.”

The other issue is cost. NAU cannot build this campus alone, Haeger said. It does not have the money to do that. The groups will have to work quickly to figure out the costs and who the partners are-“how we're actually going to pay for this,” he said. What NAU brings to the table is enormous intellectual capital.

It has been around for more than 100 years and in that time has built a reputation for being a quality institution. Today, it has more than 105 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs.

“There's no reason why much of that infrastructure can't begin to be moved around in the state,” Haeger said.

As with any school, the proposed university must attract students. After the land and financing issues are settled, the groups must do the “most sophisticated marketing studies imaginable” to find out where the students are and whether they will they come, Haeger said.

The proposed university has to offer niche programs like nursing, occupational therapy, radiology to attract students, he said. If it were to be a liberal arts college, it would fail.

“There's already too many of them,” he said. “The competition will be too stiff. So we'll do a lot of thinking about what's the niche that would make a difference.”

Haeger believed the groups made a lot of progress Wednesday and that they were headed in the right direction.

“I think we've taken that next step, and we'll be back again to talk with you in a couple of months,” he said.

You may contact the reporter at raap@havasuenews.com.

BY DAVID BELL

Today's News-Herald, Thursday, Thursday, June 8, 2006 11:09 PM MDT

A site south of Contact Point (in orange) has been chosen for the proposed site of a four-year college campus in Lake Havasu City. How about a dorm room with a lake view?



The Havasu Foundation for Higher Education has turned its attention to two 160-acre parcels of Bureau of Land Management land south adjacent to Partner's Point, just south of Contact Point, as the potential home for a four-year college. The new location comes after both BLM and Northern Arizona University officials said they were not completely enamored with land near Havasu Heights along State Route 95, saying it was too far north of the city.

NAU has long been a resident of Lake Havasu City, partnering with Mohave Community College on the 2+2 program, which allows students to stay in the city and take two years of schooling at the community college and finish with two years at NAU with a 4-year degree. NAU has expressed interest in sponsoring the full 4-year university proposed by the Foundation.

Foundation board member Bill Ullery took Lake Havasu City Councilman Al Sturtevant and Partnership for Economic Development CEO Gary Kellogg out for separate tours of the land Thursday. Ullery said that BLM officials have been open to leasing the land and that NAU officials like the idea of being within city limits and within walking distance to the water.

He also said the large size of the two parcels enables multiple use of the land, which would reduce the financial burden across numerous entities. He said Lake Havasu Unified School District No. 1 officials have inquired about possibly partnering in an educational complex as well as Mohave Community College and various city departments such as Parks and Recreation. Plus he would like to see the development modeled after what was done in Flagstaff.

The City of Flagstaff and NAU partnered for a convention center, performing arts center and a hotel on the campus. “Will that model work on this site? In this town? We think it will,” Ullery said.

The shoreline to the north is controlled by State Parks, including the proposed State Parks/city joint venture marina. Along the shore to the south is BLM property with its shoreline campsites. Inland to south is private property.

Only one major wash runs through the property, which cannot be developed, however a number of small dry washes can house commercial buildings and with the severe grade, can be developed into multi-story buildings before reaching Highway 95 level. No matter what other agencies share use of the land, Ullery said it's critical to have on-campus housing as part of the college. “We can't grow a university without residential students. No dorms means no chance so if we build a single classroom, we have to build a dorm.”

The Foundation conducted a survey of spring break participants this year and found the majority would consider attending a four-year university in Lake Havasu City. The survey respondents said tuition and housing costs and recreational opportunities were the top three concerns they had when looking at a college.

The Foundation and its partners have a little more than a year to make an application to BLM for use of the land. During that time Ullery said a comprehensive master plan of all uses needs to be completed and he said only the city can take leadership on that. Ullery pressed Sturtevant on the creation of a city employee dedicated solely to the master planning of the complex.

“The challenge is to undertake the most thorough planning process possible in just over a year,” Ullery said. “If the council can't fund a person to coordinate this, it won't get done. It's too big for the Foundation and its one staff member.”

Sturtevant has been supportive of developing a four-year college and liked the location near Havasu Heights. His reasoning was the city has a poor reputation as an “anything-goes city” already and college in city limits might exacerbate that perception.

“But the Heights is out of the question now and this is the only thing left. I have to say though, it looks pretty good. Let's get it done,” Sturtevant said as he looked over the land.

NAU officials will take a tour of the location in July and Ullery is recommending the city council, LHUSD officials and foundation members travel to Flagstaff to see the NAU/city joint venture and speak with local officials. NAU has an estimated impact of $1 billion per year for Flagstaff.

There are no cost estimates yet on development of a college complex, as that's dependent on the facilities put forward in a master plan.

The City Council approved a partnership with the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education to pursue the creation of a four-year college in the area at its regular meeting Tuesday night. Along with Mohave Community College and a representative of Northern Arizona University, all parties were eager to lay the foundations for a four-year university that would sit in or near the Lake Havasu City.

Floyd Hamilton of the foundation stated the most important thing to get the ball rolling on a four-year university was land, as much as they could get and as close to the city as possible, noting that if they could put the university on the Island, it probably would be full of students “tomorrow.”

Hamilton said 15 acres was the minimum needed to begin, noting that MCC occupies that much right now.

Mayor Harvey Jackson said the city needed to be involved in this process due to options available to the city that may not be available to the foundation.

Hamilton also informed council of the economic benefits of having a four-year university in the area, saying about $1 billion is pumped into the economy in the area around NAU every year.

The council communication noted that knowledge-based industry fuels local economic engines and assist in workforce education.