Six Flags NOLA Revival

Plans to reopen the Six Flags New Orleans park that was shuttered four years ago by Hurricane Katrina’s devastation is causing quite a stir with city officials who don’t agree on which of two proposals is best.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is reportedly backing a proposal to reopen the venue under the ownership of Baton Rouge-based Southern Star Amusement with branding by Viacom Inc.’s Nickelodeon. The project, which hinges on the sale of about $100 million in Gulf Coast Opportunity Zone bonds, is estimated to cost between $165 million and $170 million.

However, City Council President Arnie Fielkow is reportedly backing a different plan that would turn the Six Flags location into a Big League Dreams complex that would generate revenue by charging various sports groups for league and tournament use. How that project would be funded hasn’t been revealed.

Which plan gets the green light won’t be determined too soon, as both proposals are in the early stages.