NORTH BEND — A local association of builders says construction of an expo center just might be the missing piece of the economic puzzle for Coos County.

Kim Lehmann, the executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Southwestern Oregon, presented a proposal to the North Bend City Council on Tuesday, asking the council to provide a letter of support to help move the idea forward.

“I don’t know why we would hesitate to offer our support,” said Mayor Rick Wetherell. “This is an exciting proposition.” 

After showing a video that described the many hotels, restaurants and outdoor activities one can find in the county, Lehmann said an expo center is the one thing that’s needed to bring all these offerings together. She speculated it could draw thousands of visitors and convention-goers for a variety of events from home shows to motocross and rodeos. Expected to be a green-energy building, it would cover 40,000 square feet and seat 5,000. 

The group is looking at three sites for the facility, but didn’t reveal them at the meeting. Lehmann said the association has committed about $25,000 for the project and believes it needs nearly $12 million. Funding could be achieved via grants and other sources.