PITTSBURGH CLOSE TO NEW FINANCING PLAN FOR TWO STADIUMS

          Allegheny County, PA, officials "are close to
     completing a plan to provide public funding for new
     stadiums" for the Steelers and Pirates, according to Edward
     Moran of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS.  The plan "would not
     only provide a local contribution for the two ... teams; it
     would trigger a promise by [PA Gov. Thomas] Ridge to kick in
     the state's portion of the funding and provide a blueprint
     to a solution for the Phillies and Eagles."  Ridge has said
     that if a local plan was developed, he would provide state
     money necessary for funding.  The Pittsburgh plan would
     raise $700M, close to 80% of the cost of the three projects
     -- which includes a convention center (DAILY NEWS, 1/27).