State assistance for a proposed new Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark in Sarpy County is on hold, as the main sponsor says will introduce a new version of the proposal in 2010.State assistance for a proposed new Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark in Sarpy County is on hold, as the main sponsor says will introduce a new version of the proposal in 2010.
Under the plan, Sarpy County would receive the proceeds of tax revenues raised in the county by the state. It’s a new concept for Nebraska, and one that both sides admit is complex. With opposition from the Omaha legislative contingent and a fear that property taxes could inadvertently rise, State Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue says she’ll pocket the bill and bring it back next session.
The decision comes after some intense lobbying from Sarpy County officials.
What this means for the $26-million ballpark proposal remains to be seen. The Royals must be out of Rosenblatt Stadium after the 2010 season, and the team has already passed on a lease for the new downtown College World Series ballpark. Opening a new 2011 ballpark without having funding in place until 2010 will indeed be a huge challenge. And, of course, the county and the Royals could come up with a funding scheme that relies more on developer funds and less on tax-increment financing.
RELATED STORIES: Sarpy County developers eager to host new O-Royals ballpark; DLR lands Sarpy County ballpark design deal; Sarpy County mayors express doubts about new O-Royals ballpark; Details of O-Royals/Sarpy County lease revealed; Agreement reached on new O-Royals ballpark; O-Royals, Sarpy County on verge of signing ballpark deal
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