ALEXANDRIA, VA-Earlier today (Feb. 13) the Virginia House of Delegates passed the bill, HB1514, to establish the state’s Sports and Entertainment Authority. The group is a political subdivion in charge of financing the proposed new arena in Potomac Yard.
The bill received bipartisan support in a 59-40 vote. It will move to the State Senate for further consideration.
According to the legislation, the Authority will consist of nine members. Six will be chosen by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) and three will be selected by the city. The bill allows the Authority to perform such duties as borrow money, hire contractors for construction, obtain property, and enter contracts.
Mayor Justin M. Wilson (D-Alexandria) said in a statement:
Today’s vote is an important milestone in the efforts to bring a sports and entertainment district to Potomac Yard. Adoption of this legislation will allow the residents of our City to be able to consider this project, based on the merits of the proposal and the benefits it would bring to our community. We will continue to monitor and engage with the General Assembly as they continue their consideration of this matter to ensure Alexandria’s interests are well represented. We are appreciative of the Virginia House of Delegates and their vote today to keep this opportunity open for both the Commonwealth and Alexandria.
The City of Alexandria says it will continue to provide updates
A report published yesterday by the Washington Post said that there is “pushback” about bringing the arena to the city from two powerful politicans. D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) “would enforce the [Wizards and Caps’] lease to prevent their early exit.” Meanwhile, after polarizing remarks about Democrats by Youngkin over the weekend, Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) “declared what she termed ‘Glenn Dome’ dead.”
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