Texas company still eyes LV golf course

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 | 9:16 a.m.

Representatives of Texas-based Evergreen Alliance Golf have told Las Vegas officials that the company is still interested in operating a golf course, even after it was passed over by the City Council earlier this month.

The council Oct. 3 awarded negotiation rights for the course to local golf course operator Billy Walters, against the recommendation of a city panel that had unanimously favored Evergreen, because it had more accurately responded to the city's requests.

The panel estimated that the Evergreen proposal would have cost the city $8 million less over 10 years than the Walters proposal, but the council unanimously decided to negotiate with Walters, saying he had a proven track record.

Walters withdrew his application last week after releasing figures he said showed his proposal would have raised more revenue for the city than the Evergreen plan.

Deputy City Manager Steven Houchens said Monday that after being contacted by the city, Evergreen representatives said the company is still interested.

The council will decide Nov. 7 whether it wants to begin negotiating with Evergreen. Houchens said staff members from the city's Purchasing Department and Finance and Business Services Department will recommend that the city do so.

If the council decides not to negotiate with Evergreen, the city would have to put the project out for bid again, Houchens said.