CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The U.S. National Whitewater Center will cut ticket prices this year to attract more visitors while reducing operating costs, the park’s director told Mecklenburg County Commissioners Tuesday evening.

Built on county-owned land, the attraction lost more than $7 million between November 2007 and October 2008.

Under a contract signed by Mecklenburg commissioners in 2004, county taxpayers are obligated to give the water park up to $1 million for every year the center loses money. The agreement expires in 2013.

Taxpayers in Gaston County must also cover the center’s losses over the next four years.

Visitors will now be offered a $49 “all-access pass” for unlimited whitewater rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing, said executive director Jeff Wise.

“Our goal is to get more people in and get them to spend more money with us and also make sure we manage those expenses as best we can,” Wise told county leaders during an hour-long question and answer session.

Several commissioners questioned whether the park, now in its third year in operation, can generate enough money to pay off its $38 million in construction loans.

Commissioner Bill James said the center’s new pricing strategy, including the $49 pass.

“I understand that’s Disney World marketing, but that is not going to work,” James said.

Wise said the center’s board of directors is negotiating with lenders to extend deadlines for paying off debt.

“They are working with us very, very well at this point,” Wise said.

Bobbie Shields, Mecklenburg’s general manager, told commissioners he is confident Wise and other directors can guide the park into profitability.

“They are optimistic that they will have the right business model that will make this successful,” Sheilds said.