City of El Paso needs to rework economic development plan for Great Wolf Lodge

EL PASO, Texas -- The city of El Paso and Great Wolf Lodge will have to come up with a new development agreement after state laws took effect governing rebates and incentives for hotels and resorts.

The proposed development will be in northwest El Paso at Interstate 10 and Paso Del Norte.

When built, it is expected to have a positive economic impact on surrounding businesses.

But because of those new state rules, the city and Great Wolf will first have to come up with another agreement and get it approved by the state. If no agreement is reached, the city says it does have a contingency plan.

“In the event that the state does not participate, we do have a contingency plan. And what do I mean by that? We have up to $4 million a year, over the next ten years, in the event that the state is not able to participate,” said Jessica Herrera, El Paso’s director of economic and international development.

If all goes according to plan, Great Wolf could open its doors sometime in 2021.