H-1226.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2176

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State of Washington      55th Legislature     1997 Regular Session

By Representative Van Luven

Read first time 02/25/97.  Referred to Committee on Trade & Economic Development.

Declaring benefits and necessities of public and private cooperation in financing sports facilities.

    AN ACT Relating to sports facilities; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that approximately one hundred years ago, professional sports became prominent in American public life.  During its early years, the business of sports was primarily a private undertaking, financed with private money and played in private stadiums and arenas.

    The legislature further finds that state and local government subsidies to professional sports businesses have increased over the past few decades.  Today professional sports are a significant, even unique, catalyst for economic growth.

    The legislature further finds that stadiums and professional sports teams expand the economy and enable further public investment in other critical areas.

    The legislature further finds that financing of sports facilities requires a cooperative effort of the public and private sector.

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