City Council Approves Visitor Information Center - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

The Lubbock City Council is moving forward with plans for a multi-million dollar visitor information center.

Thursday, members voted to look at more than just cost when it comes to construction. Council approved using competitive sealed bids for the project. That just means the city is not restricted to using the lowest bidder; instead they can consider other factors in the selection process.

The council voted six to one in favor of the visitor center to be built at 19th Street and Crickets Avenue. That's where the former 19th Street Warehouse and South Beach Club currently sit.

The center is expected to cost around $6.7 million. It would be funded using the city's hotel-motel tax, but one council member says that money could be better spent.

"Internet kiosks, placing those at the points of entry, which is really where people come into the city and learn what they want to do. Truth is people know nine times out of ten before they leave why they're going to a city," Lubbock City Councilman Todd Klein said. 

"The history says, in every other city that has these it does generate additional visitors, therefore additional revenue for our merchants in town, and ultimately sales tax dollars too," Lubbock Mayor David Miller said.

Several folks stood up to show their support for a visitor center during Thursday's meeting.  Many represented the hotel industry and economic groups in the city.

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