VA Governor George Allen has joined the efforts of two
Northern VA groups trying to lure a baseball expansion franchise
to the area. If a team is granted, Allen adminstration officials
said that the state will create a VA Baseball Stadium Authority
that could issue tax-exempt bonds to cover stadium, parking and
transportation costs. Allen is also considering personally
delivering Northern VA's plan to MLB officials in Chicago next
week. In an interview, Allen said state aid ultimately "has to
have a payoff" in economic benefit to the area. Five sites are
under consideration for a proposed stadium, most located near
Dulles Airport in the DC suburban area. Fairfax County officials
are in Richmond today to "work out financial details" with Allen
administration officials. The "key question" in raising bonds is
the source of repayment. Parking fees and ticket taxes are
possible revenue sources, but "general" taxpayer money could be
included. Fairfax County Board Chair Thomas Davis, who is in a
tight race for a Congressional seat, said he intends to form a
task force next week to study possible stadium sites (Peter
Baker, WASHINGTON POST, 10/28).
