Broward County Commissioners yesterday agreed to give
Panthers Owner Wayne Huizenga another $9M to build a new arena
for his hockey team, according to the Ft. Lauderdale SUN
SENTINEL. With "little debate and no dissent," commissioners
increased the arena construction budget 5.1% from $175.7M to
$184.7M as the additional money will alleviate parking and access
problems. The $9M breakdown: $4M for a VIP parking garage; $3.5M
for direct access off the northbound Sawgrass Expressway into the
arena property, as well as additional pavement for a multi-lane,
half-mile U-Turn under Oakland Park Blvd. for southbound post-
game traffic; $1.5M to acquire a 24-lot subdivision west of the
arena for more parking spaces. Commissioners say the increased
funding won't cost taxpayers since tourists are paying the
largest part of the arena debt, and all but $2M of the additions
can be covered by low interest rates on bonds to be sold next
month to pay for the project. With the vote, Huizenga is now
responsible for any cost overruns (Larry Lebowitz, Ft. Lauderdale
SUN-SENTINEL, 8/28).
