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Wenatchee regional stadium
bill clears House of Representatives
A measure that would help
to finance a new regional stadium and activity venue in Wenatchee gained
unanimous House approval today.
House Bill 2447, sponsored by Reps. Cary Condotta and
Mike Armstrong,
both R-Wenatchee, would allow local governments to retain a portion of
the sales tax revenue that is currently going to the state.
"This bill would allow Chelan County, Douglas County and the cities of
Wenatchee and East Wenatchee to come together to form a public
facilities district. That district would help fund a year-round
recreation facility offering an arena for entertainment, sports and
recreation. Beyond that, it would help to secure an entirely new
waterfront complex that would provide additional housing, and
particularly housing for our new ‘Nurses for Tomorrow’ program," said
Condotta, a member of the House Finance Committee.
"This is a nice facility that would be used to anchor a riverfront
improvement project. It also will be able to be used for a training
center for the Winter Olympics that will take place in Canada in 2010,"
added Armstrong. "We look forward to having this online soon."
The measure would allow the formation of a public facilities district by
Sept. 1, 2006. The district would be authorized to retain 0.033 percent
of the sales tax if construction on the regional center begins by April
1, 2007.
The multipurpose center would provide seating for as many as 7,000. It
would have two ice sheets which could be used by hockey teams training
for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Condotta and Armstrong said the facility would also allow Wenatchee to
host larger conventions that need more exhibit space, and could provide
more jobs and a boost in the economy for North Central Washington.
"In general, this will make Wenatchee a much nicer place to live and
continue in the tradition of a great place to raise a family," noted
Condotta. "We need that year-round facility and this bill really sets
the program in motion."
The measure was approved 95-0. It now goes to the Senate for further
consideration.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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