GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids could begin building an aquarium in the coming years if the ballot measure to increase hotel taxes is passed.
Kent County Commissioners are considering a proposal that would raise the county's hotel tax from 5% to 8%. In a letter, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and other city leaders urged county commissioners to pass the ballot measure.
The revenue from these taxes would go toward building projects like a new soccer stadium and riverside amphitheater, which are currently going through the approval process.
Bliss said the revenue could also help fund a brand-new aquarium in the city, which is in the early stages of planning.
"Our organizations have worked collaboratively with the community to develop a vision for a new amphitheater and soccer stadium. The community is also in the early stages of planning for a nationally significant aquarium," reads the letter. "These projects are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in net new economic impact. This means new business activity, more well-paying jobs, more in-fill development, and a higher quality of life for our residents."
The letter said tourism has rebounded since the pandemic, with hotel room revenue at "record levels" and many event centers being sold out.
It is unclear where the aquarium would be built and how much it would cost.
If the ballot measure is passed, it would appear before voters on the August ballot. The tax would not impact Kent County residents, but visitors staying at hotels in the county.
Commissioners will consider the measure at their next meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 8:30 a.m.
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