Scott Palochik, the business development manager for Enterprise Systems Partners of Bethlehem, is working with '76 Olympics bronze-medal swimmer Dan Harrigan, of Spillman Farmer Architects in Bethlehem, to construct a top-notch facility possibly in the Bethlehem area.

The duo hopes to be making waves by attracting the nation's top swimmers, much like Lehigh University does with wrestlers and the "Velodrome" in Upper Macungie does for cyclists.

"There is a severe lack of facilities in this region to handle larger swim meets and invitationals," Palochik told Lehigh Valley Business.

"Many of the locations available are beginning to show their age through equipment failures or lack of capacity with the growth of the sport. USA Swimming needs such a venue in the Eastern part of the U.S. as their options are limited."

Palochik says initial estimates put the project in the $10-$20 million range; however, exact costs and funding options are unknown at this time.

"Our exploratory committee has just begun analysis of projected locations and associated costs and this is the phases in which we are seeking funding options and opportunities,' he said.

Palochik believes there is certainly enough interest in swimming to keep such a high-maintenance facility busy year round.

"This area is a prime location for U.S. swimming, Middle Atlantic swimming, high school swimming, collegiate swimming, as well as other aquatic related interests,' he said. "We have identified over 35 local and regional events that could be held at the facility. These are four-day or more events that draw hundreds of athletes, coaches and even more spectators."

Work on the new facility – a site that could include several pools and training opportunities for strength conditioning and wellness – will get started as soon as a site is secured and funding and financing are in place. In a perfect world, that could mean within several months.