The sun sets on White Water in Branson, Mo., but the thrills will last well into the night. For a more relaxing option, guests can catch a movie by the wave pool.

Credit: SILVER DOLLAR CITY'S WHITE WATER
The sun sets on White Water in Branson, Mo., but the thrills will last well into the night. For a more relaxing option, guests can catch a movie by the wave pool.
Credit: SILVER DOLLAR CITY'S WHITE WATER

The sun sets on White Water in Branson, Mo., but the thrills will last well into the night. For a more relaxing option, guests can catch a movie by the wave pool.

If it gets the greenlight, Branson Adventures would include a 100,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor waterpark, along with a whitewater rafting course that could accommodate the Olympic trials, plus a resort with 350 suites, restaurants and a spa.

While it would be a economic boon to the city of Branson, Mo., estimated to add 600,000 visitors annually, the $446 million waterpark and resort comes with a catch: The developer wants a generous tax break.

David Cushman, principal of CP Branson LLC, is requesting a tax abatement for a 23-year period.

According to the Springfield News-leader, citing the Branson Tri-Lakes News, the developer would kick in about $249 million. Private equity would contribute about $80 million, with the remaining coming through tax-exempt bonds at $109 million.

Such arrangement are not uncommon. Similar private-public partnerships helped transform the Wisconsin Dells into the "Waterpark Capital of the World." Similarly, Colorado is using incentives to lure large-scale attractions.

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