Robert McTyre with Apogee Attractions LLC gives a presentation on the proposed Bison World project. Photo: Warren Abrahamson

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The final plans for the proposed $72 million Bison World project were released Wednesday.

Spearheaded by Brian Lunde and Apogee Attractions, work is currently being done to finalize architectural and engineering designs. The JSDC authorized $600,000 in economic development funds to complete the work. Another $400,000 were contributed by North Dakota Tourism to assist in the planning.

Robert McTyre, founder of Apogee Attractions LLC, presented the plans for the cultural theme park and experience.

McTyre says while they do want to entertain their visitors, they also want to educate them about the history of the bison and the importance of conservation and preservation.

Another factor of the project is “establishing a tourism gateway” for other tourism sites in North Dakota.

The final project includes different attractions including an amphitheater, shopping area, aerial rides over the buffalo pasture, and different virtual and physical experiences for visitors.

Earlier this year, Eide Bailly announced their financial findings of the project, finding that the five-year projected returns show a range between $34 and $39.3 million flowing to the state from a $72.5 million dollar investment, a return of over 50%.

The average annual return would be between $6.8 and $7.8 million or 11%. State sales tax revenues on over $68 million dollars in tickets and merchandise in just the first five years are also expected according to the study which compiled data from the North Dakota Department of Commerce and Apogee Attractions

Investor Brian Lunde says the nearly 2 year analysis and design process was spurred by the initial findings of McTyre and Apogee Attractions while viewing aerial footage of the proposed state land.

Lunde says they also had the benefit of being able to tap into Jamestown’s history of being referred to as “The Buffalo City.”

While the project could begin as early as tomorrow, Lunde says it depends on the state and what they want to do with the proposed project.

McTyre says on potential alone, it’s a “slam dunk”, adding that it’s similar to what Walt Disney did with Disney World in Florida years ago.

Lunde added that the project is perfect for Legacy Fund money to be invested back into the state.

You can view the final plans of the Bison World Project by clicking here.