- The cost has nearly doubled. Bellevue City Council approved $50 million in additional bonds, bringing the total construction cost of the new water park to $110 million — with inflation in materials and labor cited as the primary drivers.
- The city is betting on big revenue. Economic Department Developer Harrison Johnson says the city expects roughly 600,000 visitors per year and projects a 35% revenue boost from a branding partnership with Mattel — framing the increased investment as a long-term financial gain for Bellevue.
- The community is divided. While some residents welcome the water park as a catalyst for growth, others argue the city should be directing funds toward more immediate infrastructure needs, including roads, sidewalks, and the library.
BELLEVUE. Neb., (KMTV) — Bellevue’s new water park will cost significantly more than initially projected, after the City Council approved $50 million in additional bonds at Tuesday night’s council meeting — raising the total construction price tag to $110 million.
The water park is located at the interchange of Highway 34 and Highway 75.
Economic Department Developer Harrison Johnson says inflation in construction and labor costs are to blame for the bond increase, along with the city’s first projected numbers being what he called “pandemic infused.”…