Oregon Legislature Passed $365M for New Trail Blazers Arena
On Friday the Oregon House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1501 by a 43-13 margin, completing the proposal’s journey through the state legislature, sending it to Governor Tina Kotek for final approval. Since Governor Kotek was one of the early advocates of the bill, it’s expected to be a fait accompli at this point. The state has taken the next step to assure that the Portland Trail Blazers will receive public assistance in renovating the Moda Center, the arena in which the team plays for 41 games each season.
The bill offers $365 million in funding out of the estimated $600 needed to renovate the aging building which has been the Trail Blazers’ home since 1995. The funds come from the portion of the state’s income tax revenue generated by the Blazers and teams playing in the arena, plus franchise employees and other workers who carry out their tasks in the Rose Quarter environs. The bill creates an Oregon Arena Fund in which to deposit those tax revenues and from which repair costs can be compensated. The agreement is contingent on a 20-year lease for the Blazers to remain in residence.
Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District Moves Forward With New Athletics Facility
The Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District is moving forward with plans to construct a new athletic facility to better serve students and the surrounding community.
The district’s Board of Education recently approved plans for a 24,750-square-foot building that will be constructed behind Wittenberg Elementary School. District officials say the new facility will provide additional space for physical education classes during the school day while also serving as a practice facility for school and youth sports programs.
In addition to supporting school athletics, the facility is also expected to provide new opportunities for community recreation. District leaders say the building will offer public access through individual or family passes for activities such as pickleball, walking, and basketball.
Bay County, Fla., Opens New Recreation Complex
Bay County leaders and families gathered Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the Southport Recreation Complex, a new 37-acre facility located just off State Road 77.
The $13.9 million complex includes six baseball fields, batting cages, and walking trails. It also features technology that allows baseball games to be live-streamed for out-of-town families.
Guy Tunnell, former county commissioner for District 4, said the opening marked a milestone for the area.
“Big tremendous event, it’s opening day for the Southport facilities complex and it’s just really an amazing day,” Tunnell said.
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