The Sussex County Council has approved a $1.5 million loan for the new sports complex in Georgetown projected to cost $4 million.
The measure passed early last week by a vote of 3-2. The loan will go to the Sussex Sports Center Foundation, the newly-created entity handling construction.
The sports complex will have eight grass fields available for a mix of lacrosse, field hockey, soccer and other sports. It will also include a 3.1-mile running/walking course, parking for 450 vehicles, picnic tables and restroom facilities.
The idea was first proposed by local developer Joe Schell, who donated the land for the project as a way to draw regional teams and provide a home for local players.
“Whenever you can bring 700 kids to town with their parents and grandparents for a sporting event, it has an impact on your town, and that’s why I’m so very supportive of this,” West told DBT back in October 2017.
Georgetown Mayor Bill West has touted the project as a potential economic boon to the area.
The $1.5 million loan has a 50-year term and zero percent interest, suggesting the county doesn’t expect repayment anytime soon.
