CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The city of Cape Coral is diving into a plan that could bring millions of dollars and the national spotlight to the city.

"I think this is going to be a big plus for this city," explains Dolores Bertolini, Cape Coral City Council, District 4.

A multi-million dollar swimming complex, complete with a hotel, convention center, and wellness center is in the works for the North East part of the city. It would sit on 183 city-owned acres called the Academic Village.

"The Academic Village was bought many years ago by council members that had foresight and had vision," explains Bertolini.

The complex, which would include 50 meter pools, and stadium seating for thousands, would be built by the National Swim Center Corporation, supported by USA Swimming. They hope to use it for state, regional, and national events.

"The attraction to Lee County is a county that is aggressively excited about swimming venues, and having a swimming venue there," explains John McIlhargy, Project Development Director for USA Swimming. "The Academic Village property kind of lent itself to this whole process. It was that simple, the City of Cape Coral is going to be a great cooperative partner with the National Swimming Corporation."

City Council Member Bertolini says the project could bring countless jobs, and millions of dollars annually in tax revenue and economic impact to the area.

"Right now, the request for proposal, the RFP, is being worked on and we should have that by next Tuesday," explains Bertolini. "I'm sure both parties will come together, I think both sides want this to work."

"If it's right for the city, and if it works for the county, and it works for the swimming community, it's going to happen," explains McIlhargy. "It's just a matter of time, and dotting the Is and crossing the Ts.

"Cape Coral is a water wonderland, that's our motto," says Bertolini. "This would give it a national stamp. Cape Coral is the actual water wonderland, including the swimming."

If the project moves forward, it's hoped the complex will open no later than 2013.

Expansion plans may include a tennis complex, more hotels, and a satellite branch for a major university. Council Member Bertolini says it's also hoped the project will provide leverage for a Del Prado Extension to I-75.