TULSA, Okla � September 24, 2003 - Tulsa County voters approved  $885 million in community revitalization and enrichment projects aimed to enhance the quality of life for citizens and expand Tulsa�s visitor industry.

Well-known for the downtown art deco showcase created by upstart oil men, Tulsa remains a national icon of blended cultures.  Considered cosmopolitan, while also embracing the western and Native American culture of its heritage, Tulsa is entering into an era of renewed urban development. 

Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director, Suzann Stewart, says �The third time�s the charm.  After two failed propositions in recent years, passing an issue of this magnitude is incredible.  It shows a tremendous commitment on the part of our community to move forward and to regain our position as a destination city.�

�We�re really excited about the combination of elements working together to make this package a success for Tulsa.  With the ongoing private sector investment in the entertainment districts and attractions, and the potential for new dollars, our public investment will pay off in multiple digits,� says Rick Cohn, TCVB chairman and Clear Channel Worldwide, regional radio vice president.

Revitalization projects and new construction plans include:

Tulsa Regional Convention and Events Center�the existing Tulsa Convention Center will be enhanced and renovated to include a new entrance, grand ballroom, additional meeting rooms, technology upgrades, furnishings and fixtures.  The project includes the construction of a new, adjacent arena to contain 18,000 fixed and retractable seats with ability to expand to more than 20,000 with the addition of floor seats.  The Convention and Events Center is strategically located near hotels, River Parks on the Arkansas River and the downtown entertainment districts.  Estimated project completion is 2007. 

Native American Cultural Center--construction of a museum and cultural center, which will include an art gallery, restaurant, theatre, visitor center, classrooms, stomp grounds and a national monument dedicated to all Native Americans.  Tulsa has the second largest American Indian population in the nation.  The Cultural Center will be built on the west bank of Tulsa�s beautiful Arkansas River.

Expo Square�Expo Square holds more than 400 events per year with attendance of approximately 3.5 million at the Tulsa Fair Grounds.  Having completed the first two phases of a massive renovation and new construction project, the Expo facilities are poised to become the premier equine and livestock facility in the country. Phase III of this  project will include the construction of two new parking decks, another livestock barn, new exchange center building, grandstand enclosure, central park and other improvements.  Expo Square boasts the Expo Center, a 450,000 sqft exhibition hall, home to major consumer shows, and trade shows.  Expected completion is late 2004.  It is also home to the Tulsa Drillers, AA baseball franchise, Bell�s Amusement Park, Fair Meadows Race Track, Big Splash Water Park, and a simulcast facility as well as on-site motel.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Mohawk Park�Funds are provided for the relocation and expansion of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.  A first-rate attraction detailing the aviation industry through a 43,000 square foot main museum and new planetarium.  Home to the Tulsa Zoo and an 2 - 18 hole golf courses, Mohawk Park will construct 16 new soccer fields, shelters and picnic areas.  This expansion will support Tulsa�s growing non-professional sporting events.  Mohawk Park is one of the country�s largest urban park lands.

Oklahoma Aquarium�The Oklahoma Aquarium is a main attraction on Tulsa�s Arkansas River located near the community of Jenks, Okla.  This project provides capital support for the Aquarium and will help stimulate its expansive investment and development along the Arkansas River.  Still in its first year, the Aquarium is expected to attract half a million visitors per year.

Historic Route 66�Funds are provided to improve the national historic icon that travels directly through Tulsa.  Enhancements to this area include streetscaping, lighting and signage welcoming the annual Route 66 visitors, and improvements to a pedestrian bridge spanning the Arkansas River.   In 2004, Tulsa will host the International Route 66 Festival, which is expected to attract almost 50,000 visitors.