Nevada governor creating A’s ballpark bill, wants bill passed by end of session
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is spearheading the effort to bring the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas, and wants a bill approved before the current legislative session adjourns.
“We are in the process of working on a package for the A’s,” said a spokesperson from the Governor’s office. “It’s our preference to see this happen before the legislature adjourns, but we will consider different options if that is not possible.”
Bills introduced during the current legislative session must make it out of both chambers by May 26. The session ends June 5. The Governor could call for a special session after that date if an agreement is not reached in time.
Local Clark County Senator Scott Hammond said, from all indications from discussions with A’s President Dave Kaval, a potential deal may not cost taxpayers. “The devils in the details. We have to look at the details. There has been some talks, and I have talked to the President of the A’s. They have indicated that they may be ask for $150 million in tax credits. The rest of the money that we’re talking about, we’re talking about creating a tax district,” Hammond said.
A tax district would generate its own revenue through operations and sales, Hammond said. “There’s no money that would have been generated that would go to education. It’s not coming out of the general fund. They’re generating tax, whether it be property tax, or sales tax. It’s not exactly public money. You’re developing a property that otherwise wouldn’t be developed, and you’re going to you’re going to be generating revenue. The area that right now is not generating hardly anything,” he said.
“The arena is basically paying for itself,” Hammond said.
Republican leaders tell FOX5, they are looking for the governor to lead the effort. “The prospect of the Oakland A’s coming to Las Vegas presents an exciting opportunity to diversify our economy and bolster the Las Vegas sports market,” said Clark County Republican and Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts, who leads Clark County’s District 13. “At the moment, we’re looking to the Governor’s office to work out the details. We trust that the Governor and his staff will ensure that whatever happens will be in the best interest of Las Vegas and Nevada.”
Democrats are also waiting on a potential deal, which they haven’t seen. “I am excited by the prospect of Nevada gaining yet another major professional sports team and the economic boost it could provide. However, no decision will be made until we receive and evaluate an official proposal from the A’s and have heard from key stakeholders and community members,” Assemblyman and Speaker Steve Yeager said.
The Oakland A’s signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas on April 19. The A’s hope to break ground by next year and hope to move into their new home by 2027.
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