The future of a 1,000-seat auditorium may depend on an alliance with the city, and that partnership may rest on multiple, large financial contributions.

Citizens for a Civic Auditorium president Ken Barbe hopes to receive $3 million in a grant from the Wyoming Business Council, $5 million from the Amoco Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board, and an addition $2.5 million in private donations.

The business council allocates several types of grants. The first is a $3 million Business Committed grant, which requires, among other things, that a specific business has agreed to settle in the community. Another offers $1.5 million and is used to help a business park or area that doesn't have a committed business.

Business council grants are only available to counties, incorporated cities, towns and joint powers boards. If the Citizens for a Civic Auditorium decides it needs the grant, the city of Casper or another governmental entity would have to apply on its behalf.

Barbe said he isn't sure which grant the Citizens would need. They have to wait for the city's decision to become a partner.

The application process includes a public hearing, a review by the business council staff and board, and ultimately the state land and investment board, said Steve Elledge, the director of field operations for the Wyoming Business Council.

The business council gives, on average, between two and five grants per quarter, Elledge said, and the application process generally takes between 90 and 120 days.

"The basis is for this is as an economic development tool where they create employment opportunities," Elledge said. "This gives communities the tools to accommodate businesses."

Barbe also hopes for $5 million from the Amoco Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board because the auditorium may be located in the Old Yellowstone District, an area near downtown and the old Amoco refinery property.

Even though the Joint Powers Board may have $5 million to allocate for that area, Alice Kraft, the board director, said the board may not decide to give the total amount.

The $5 million also may not go to one entity. Kraft said there are multiple projects in the area that could use some of the funding, such as stop lights or business relocations.

"Until they make a formal request, it is a moot issue," Kraft said. "It would have to be a new partnership. The original process failed as far as the board was concerned."

The original bid for a performing arts center went through the Joint Powers Board. It was going to be built on the former Amoco refinery site, now known as the Platte River Commons.

After years of fundraising, downsizing, time extensions and missed deadlines, the Citizens lost their partnership with the Joint Powers Board and turned to the city for assistance.

If the city agrees to an alliance, the Citizens' plan includes another $2.5 million in private donations.

The group currently has $7 million in signed pledges including more than $500,000 in the bank, Barbe said. Future fundraising may resemble past efforts and could include public events, as well as presentations with possible individual donors.

"This was the first real capital campaign I have ever done, and I have learned a lot," he said. "We haven't done a public event in awhile because we wanted to regroup and have a solid partnership with the city."

If some of the funding components don't come to fruition, Barbe said the Citizens will find new monetary outlets.

"It would be better to have it," he said, referring to the Joint Powers Board money, "but if we don't get it we will have to look for other sources."

They will do what they have always done, he said, and be resourceful.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com