Investors trying to bring an MLS expansion team to St. Louis “probably won’t get” $40M in tax credits or “any state money,” based on Missouri Gov.-elect Eric Greitens’ comments yesterday, according to Mike Faulk of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Greitens said, “I have completely ruled out state funding for stadiums.” Faulk noted hours later, St. Louis Alderman Christine Ingrassia, who is “sponsoring the ballot proposal” for up to $80M in city funding for an MLS venue, “called the proposal’s future doubtful.” Mayor Francis Slay’s office yesterday said that “getting a stadium built would be difficult without the state.” Greitens: “We are not going to use money from the people of the state of Missouri for what I believe is corporate welfare. We’ve got far too many core priorities of government that have to be invested in.” SC STL Vice Chair Jim Kavanaugh, whose group is leading the MLS effort, said Greitens’ comments were “disappointing considering he doesn’t understand our business proposal and potential ROI for the state.” Kavanaugh added, “Without state and city investment (that comes with a return) I don’t see it happening” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 1/3).
