NEWS
NYRA soliciting bids for Saratoga improvements
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009 9:59 AM
by Paul Post
The New York Racing Association is soliciting bids from groups interested in working on Saratoga Race Course grandstand improvements once revenue from Aqueduct’s racino becomes available.
On November 6, five organizations seeking the 30-year gaming contract at Aqueduct confirmed their ability to give the state a minimum $200-million upfront payment. Penn National Gaming, which already had the high bid of $250-million, upped its offer to $300-million. Other groups have committed to major increases as well.
However, state leaders have not made a decision and an announcement probably will not be made until December, if not later.
Last year, NYRA retained London-based Turnberry Consulting Ltd. to assist with developing capital plans at all three NYRA tracks—Saratoga, Aqueduct, and Belmont Park. NYRA wants to focus on Saratoga first. The annual summer meet is the most lucrative on NYRA’s year-round calendar and the historic track also shows signs of aging. NYRA is contemplating upgrades of up to $100-million at Saratoga, but cannot begin such work until Aqueduct’s gaming revenue starts to flow.
While Turnberry is responsible for overall capital projects, it needs additional help developing detailed plans for Saratoga’s grandstand. The facility needs major infrastructure upgrades and NYRA is considering permanent new dining areas.
“Turnberry is looking to retain a project manager to make sure we’re following all of the mandated laws,” NYRA spokesman Dan Silver said.
An advertisement seeking interested firms stated such work is for the grandstand only, and does not include new backstretch worker housing and barns, which NYRA has also identified as high priorities. NYRA says new stable worker dormitories at Saratoga and Belmont would cost $60-million total.
The hired organization would be responsible for monitoring the performance of contractors and sub-contractors, making sure all federal, state, and local laws are complied with, and confirming that all required licenses, permits, and insurances are in place. Prospective groups must have proven experience “managing construction projects in the State of New York up to $100-million.”
Interested firms must request bid packages by Dec. 9.
Paul Post is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
