The idea of creating a 175-room, destination-style resort hotel at Clinton Lake State Park is still alive. Now potential developers have more time to figure out exactly what they would like to propose.

State officials today said they have extended the deadline for proposals to 2 p.m. July 24. Previously the deadline was July 17.

Chuck Knapp, director of operations for the state’s Department of Administration, said officials decided to extend the deadline a week after state officials took extra time to clarify some of the requirements for the proposal process.

Knapp said four to five development firms attended a pre-proposal meeting last week. Once the proposals are opened on July 24, Knapp said a group involving leadership from the Department of Commerce, the Department of Administration and the state’s procurement and contract division will review the proposals and will reach a recommendation on a firm to begin negotiations with.

The state is giving developers leeway in what type of resort concept they propose, and also where exactly to locate the resort in Clinton Lake State Park. But members of the public likely will not get to see what all the developers have proposed.

Knapp said the state plans to release the names of all the developers who have submitted proposals, but won’t be releasing other details of their development proposals.

As for a timeline for a developer to be selected, Knapp said he didn’t have a firm one to offer.

“It is a high priority project though,” Knapp said. “We are certainly anticipating moving it through the process as expeditiously and thoroughly as possible.”

This will be an interesting one to watch. State officials are planning on developers paying for the cost of the resort. Whether developers will ask for some government assistance, such as help to extend city sewer service to the state park, is an open question. At some point city officials may be asked to chime in on the proposals.