As we reported in March, The Block Sports Company has proposed a massive entertainment and resort development called Dreamport Villages, which would include a water park, extreme sports park, a resort, retail and other attractions across 1,500 acres in Casa Grande. 

Planned Site / Courtesy of Pinal County

Casa Grande Dispatch is reporting the builders are seeking $124 million in sales tax rebates from the city as part of the development agreement it has with Casa Grande.

According to an independent financial impact analysis performed by Phoenix-based Applied Economics, the amusement park is expected to generate $838 million in direct tax revenue to the city over 20 years.

However, the developers argue they would be unable to pay for the much-needed infrastructure, which they point out would also benefit the area on a whole and not just the park, without some reimbursement costs from the city. According to a memo from Rains to City Council, the developers are asking the city to “consider entering into a development agreement that would repay a portion of the sales tax the development generates to Block Sports.”

Rendering Courtesy of Pinal County

Currently the development is set to be built in multiple phases. The first phase will include a $1.2 billion investment, $300 million of which would go towards infrastructure; $124 million of that would be recouped in the form of the rebate.

The plan for the amusement park includes an extreme sports park, resort, indoor water park, wildlife animal exhibits, restaurants, and retail spaces. Inside the sports park, guests could participate in activities such as zip lining, rock climbing, go-karts, and wakeboarding.

The full cost of the project is estimated around $4 billion and the amusement park is expected to take a decade to complete. The City Council will hear public comments on the project later this month.