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BANGOR, Maine — As a crucial decision looms about building a new arena in Bangor, city leaders appear to be growing more and more confident of the potential for public and private financial support.

Michael Aube of Eastern Maine Development Corp., who was contracted by the city to explore alternative funding opportunities to supplement the city’s proceeds from Hollywood Slots, told councilors this week that interest in a new arena is significant.

Although he couldn’t identify specific private organizations, Aube said he has had serious discussions with public agencies and private foundations that could coalesce if councilors finally commit to putting shovels in the ground.

“We’re trying to demonstrate two things. One, that the region’s business community is behind this as a gateway project, a signature project. And two, that there will be a return on investment,” he said.

Later this month, councilors are expected receive a final schematic design from its architect (Colorado-based Don Dethlefs) and construction manager (Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield) detailing exactly how much a proposed 7,400-seat arena could cost. The debate over a new arena — and over the costs associated with the project — has spanned several years, but Bangor is closer than it has ever been to realizing the dream of many.

“I think that what was controversial one year ago or two years ago has become easier to get behind,” Councilor Hal Wheeler said. “I certainly feel a lot better. It’s clear to me that [EMDC] is making this a priority project, but they also are realistic. This thing has moved out of the talking stage into the action stage.”

Added Councilor Susan Hawes of EMDC: “I think they have done a great deal of work, not just locally but on a regional basis, which is really important.”

Initial estimates from a market study conducted last year suggested that a new arena would cost at least $45 million to $50 million. If the city also decided to renovate and expand the Bangor Civic Center, that could add at least another $12 million to $15 million to the project’s cost.

The city already has accumulated about $8 million from Hollywood Slots revenue and can reasonably expect to earn between $2.5 million and $3 million a year from the racino based on projections. While some councilors were confident that the racino fund would pay for a new arena outright, others have been skeptical. That’s where Aube and EMDC come in.

Aube has landed at least one commitment — a $1 million earmark from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins into a 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Senate Appropriations bill — but he’s confident more is out there. He has even enlisted two prominent Bangor businesspeople, Miles Theeman of Affiliated Health Services and Mark Woodward, former executive editor of the Bangor Daily News, to reach out to community members.

“The [Hollywood Slots] Waterfront Concert Series helped open some eyes to investors that there is a market here in Bangor,” Aube said. “When the city is ready to move forward, we want people ready to step in immediately.”

Hawes, for one, said the city should be grateful for the help.

“This is a large-ticket item and a great asset for the region, so the more people you can get to work on it, the better product we’ll end up with,” Hawes said. “As more interest in the project grows, it will build momentum.”

Some councilors still feel the public should have one last collective say in the process. Geoff Gratwick has long favored a citywide referendum and Wheeler said that might be a good idea.

“I would be in favor of putting out a nonbinding referendum that asks, ‘Do you favor borrowing money with the understanding that any debt service may become part of your property tax bill?’” said Wheeler.

Aube and others hope the city can make good on its promise of building a new arena without any direct taxpayer support.