DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The events center and hockey arena envisioned for the planned Austin Pike interchange is being touted as great idea that will be a challenge to fund, particularly in today's economic climate.

Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, raised the possibility of shifting $2 million in state capital budget funding now allocated for Dayton's Ballpark District to Austin Pike. Husted, who becomes an Ohio senator in January, said if Dayton's project can't use the money in the near term, "we probably would be better off transferring that money to Austin Road." He said a decision to shift that money would be made in conjunction with the city, Montgomery County, Gov. Ted Strickland and area legislators.

Dayton City Manager Rashad Young said he was surprised to hear talk of shifting the money away from downtown Dayton.

"I would hate to see us lose that capital bill allocation to any other project, because that remains a priority for us," said Young. He said the city supports Austin Pike development, but downtown must remain a Dayton priority.

Funding is in place for construction of the $48.8 million interchange at Austin Pike starting next year. A single developer, RG Properties, owns or controls all four corners, said Steve Stanley, executive director of the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District.

The events center would anchor a high-tech mixed-use development that officials say could bring 21,000 jobs.

"This is definitely not a pipe dream. This is a very, very strong and solid concept," said Montgomery County Assistant Administrator Joe Tuss. "Do we have a significant amount of work to do? And are there a lot of hurdles to overcome? Certainly."

He anticipates funding would come from RG Properties and private sources along with some public money. With local, state and federal governments all struggling with financial issues, Tuss and Husted acknowledge that finding public funding will be tough.

Tuss said a 7,000-seat events center would fill a need for a mid-sized venue on the southern portion of Ohio's stretch of I-75. Officials and developers are discussing trying to attract an American Hockey League team to the arena, and making it available to youth hockey leagues in communities stretching to Cincinnati. Fees for use of the center and arena would be used to cover operating costs.

"Ice time is a premium and quality ice time is even more of a priority," said Tuss. "Having an anchor like a sports team makes sense. But you have to appeal to as broad a segment as you can."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.