Money Earmarked For FC Cincy Stadium Project In Limbo Amid Cuts

About $4M approved by Ohio lawmakers for FC Cincinnati's stadium project is "now in limbo" after the state House proposed cutting about $400M in "capital projects from universities, colleges, sports and cultural projects" amid the economic downturn due to the pandemic, according to Jessie Balmert of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. On the list of cuts is the $4M approved in '18 for the stadium project and $20M slated for the new Crew stadium. But the $4M cut "isn't a done deal," as lawmakers "want FC Cincinnati, universities and other recipients to explain why they still need the money." FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding said that he is "prepared to make that pitch." Berding: "We look forward to having ongoing discussion with the general assembly and the (Ohio Gov. Mike) DeWine administration to ultimately re-appropriate the $4 million already committed to the project." Berding added that the state's $4M investment was a "key component for winning" the MLS bid (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 5/29).