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Sarpy County officials hint at O-Royals ballpark funding plan

After a third hearing to discuss possible sites for a new Omaha Royals ballpark, Sarpy County officials say they have the broad outlines of a financing deal — but the details must be worked out.

After a third hearing to discuss possible sites for a new Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark, Sarpy County officials say they have the broad outlines of a financing deal — but the details must be worked out.

As you'll recall, Sarpy County petitioned the state legislature for the ability to implement tax-increment financing for a new O-Royals ballpark and associated development. That effort died, but it may be brought back during the 2010 session.

Meanwhile, the county has been working on an alternate financing plan with developers, who presumably would put up the money for the development. We're guessing the O-Royal ownership will put up a serious chunk of money as well; Alan Stein, president of the O-Royals, managed to build a privately financed ballpark in Lexington with good results, so he's got a track record for this sort of thing.

It now looks like Monday will be the date for the county to agree on a ballpark site and sign a contract; you can expect plenty of meetings between then and now.

RELATED STORIES: ; Sarpy County developers eager to host new O-Royals ballparkDLR 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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