Phase II Bill Passes

From my perspective, the message was mixed from the legislature this year. The good news is --- and it is very good news --- that Phase II was included in legislation that passed, and the governor's signature appears likely. This means the project can continue to move forward.

I have some concerns as well. Phase II will generate millions in tax revenue for the state and the region, so it seems unfair that the entire public portion is generated locally. However, the vast majority of those are local "user-taxes" on the project itself - so the burden does not fall on Bloomington residents. This means that guests who use MOA and Phase II will help support the public infrastructure.

I am also concerned that the project had many restrictions placed on it. Phase II won't be allowed to have a music theater, dinner theater or any other live performance arts venues. That just doesn't seem fair to me - but that is strictly my opinion.

Again - overall I think this news is good - and I am hopeful.

There have got to be a lot of tired people this morning - because they have been working hard to get Phase II legislation passed. I don't know everyone that was involved in making this legislation pass - but it is a very large number. I know that the Construction Trades have worked tirelessly to get this done - and they've been great partners to the Mall over the years. I also know that members from the construction industry stepped up in a big way to help make this happen.

My guess is that it will take some time to thoroughly understand the legislation and its impact on the project - but I'm hopeful we can move forward. This is a great project that brings thousands of jobs, millions in new tax revenue and millions of new tourists.