Amarillo City Council approves TIRZ funding for Bug Ranch

The Amarillo City Council approved the development of the Big Texan Bug Ranch project on its first reading as part of the East Gateway Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).

At a development cost of $219,790 to transport and improve the property for the new location of the Conroy Bug Ranch, Big Texan owners Bobby and Danny Lee sought $90,000, or 40%, in matching funds for the investment once completed to upgrade the area. These upgrades include a dedicated parking lot, sidewalks, general beautification, and lighting.

This is expected to be another iconic Route 66 art installation that will give visitors another reason to visit and stay in the area. Route 66 is known for its quirky art installations and attractions that people worldwide visit.

Bobby Lee, co-owner of the Big Texan, expressed that he thinks this will spur more tourism and development in the area, with visitors coming by daily even while the project is still under construction. With the five original Volkswagen Beetles, there will also be additional cars and limousines to use as canvases for visitors. The project will include lighting, and travelers will be able to visit the site, day or night.

"Since about 1960, we have probably collected over $100 million in sales tax dollars for the city, and we consider that our responsibility for being part of Amarillo and getting represented to the world," Lee said. "We are grateful for the support of the city and their commitment to this project, and tourism makes it even sweeter."

Lee believes that the work of the Route 66 Association, which will manage the location, will bring more eyes to Amarillo and keep people in town longer, which will, in turn, become a return on the investment. He also feels that the TIRZ, if used properly, can be a valuable asset for development and tourism.

"Almost anything the Big Texan does is about making the tourists happy and giving people a reason to stop, and this really just adds to that," Lee said. "After 65 years of doing this, we have kind of mastered this, and we have a lot of confidence in this project. We are on the Mississippi River of roads on Interstate 40, and we are very grateful to be a part of this area on this side of town. I think a lot of new businesses recognize that with the visibility it gives."

The official christening of the Big Texan Bug Ranch is expected to take place June 14 as part of the Route 66 Festival festivities.

The TIRZ proposal still needs a second reading before it gets final approval by the city council.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Big Texan Bug Ranch taking shape