Date:

April 14, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Denise Pearce, Mayor’s Office, 441-8044

Joshua Eickmeier, Legislative Aide for Avery, 471-2633

Mayor Chris Beutler and State Senator Bill Avery today thanked Governor Dave Heineman for signing a bill to provide funding for Lincoln’s proposed arena project. The Nebraska Legislature passed LB 912 April 7. Avery sponsored the bill, which will return about $700,000 per year in state sales tax revenues for the project.

“I am pleased that the Governor signed into law this important legislation, which was passed by the Legislature with the support of nearly every State Senator,” said Avery. “This bill helps move Lincoln one step closer to realizing its goal of a new arena, which will become an anchor of economic development in Lincoln and specifically the downtown area and Haymarket.”

“The leadership of Senator Avery on this issue was crucial,” said Mayor Beutler. “The money the City will receive as a result of this bill will be a piece of the financing plan we will have in place before the arena issue is decided by voters.”

The bill goes into effect three months from the signing date, which was April 11. The City will apply to receive the funds at a future date.