OLYMPIA, Wash. – Once again, Washington state legislators are considering a bill to use taxes from tourists to fund a renovation of Husky Stadium.
The plan is to extend the hotel – motel tax which paid for Safeco Field and Qwest Field – into other things that include stadiums and arenas. It failed to pass last year.
It's a controversial idea with mixed reaction.
"I think it's a good thing. I think football contributes to the tradition and prestige of the university," said one person.
"I don't really think the stadium is in need of renovation, so I guess I would say no. I don't believe taxes should be raised to improve this stadium," said another.
The stadium is cracking and the plan to fix it is shovel ready, with an estimated cost of between $250 million and $300 million.
But with so many demands on slim tax dollars, will the bill be dead on arrival or could it be a useful tool for King County?
"It's appropriate to look at those and to make sure we are smart about those investments and look at the big picture and not just one particular aspect," said House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle.
If the tourist tax is extended, UW would be in a long line with their hands out. The bill would also allow that money to be distributed to the arts, low-income housing and public health.
A hearing on the issue is set for Thursday morning in Olympia.
