TRUCKEE, Calif. — With the Truckee aquatic center facing a roughly $1 million shortfall, officials may look to private funding to ensure a reduced version of the project breaks ground.

The Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District recently received four bids, ranging between $6.69 million to $8.06 million to construct the building and an eight-lane competition pool.

The construction budget, however, is about $5.7 million.

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“While it’s certainly disappointing that the bids came in over budget, I am optimistic that we’ll get over the hurdle and deliver a wonderful facility,” said Dan Kates, president of the Truckee Aquatic Coalition.

Bids came in higher due to a 15 to 20 percent increase in construction cost from when the project was first bid last year, said Steve Randall, TDRPD general manager.

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Unless private funding comes forward, the roughly $1 million warm water pool included in original plans will be delayed, he said.

Instead, an indoor turf field will be put in its place, with installation of the leisure pool depending on future funding. Final amenities will depend on available funding and construction costs.

“Everything is on the table at this point,” Randall said. “ … I don’t know what direction we’ll be going in.”

The district’s aquatic center subcommittee is scheduled to meet at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Truckee Community Recreation Center, 8924 Donner Pass Road, to review the bids.

At its Feb. 26 meeting, the TDRPD board of directors will vote to accept or reject a bid, Randall said.

“We’re really at a go or no-go point in the process,” Kates said. “If we’re able to successfully raise the additional funds, then our community will be rewarded with an amazing facility for generations to come.

“If not, it may be decades before another opportunity comes our way.”

Click here to view the bids.