$250 Million in Public Funding Moving Forward for Milwaukee Bucks Arena

Approval for a $250 million public funding package—split between state, county, and local authorities—is all but assured.

1 minute read

July 21, 2015, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Wisconsin State Senate voted 21-10 to approve a funding plan for a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to reporting by Katie DeLong, A.J. Bayatpout, and Ben Handelman for Fox6Now. Senate Bill 209, as the enabling legislation is called, approved $250 million in public financing for the project. The Fox6Now article also includes detail on last minute changes to the bill, like the funding contribution required of Milwaukee County, that "left Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett disappointed, and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele downright livid."

Writing for Urban Milwaukee, Jeramey Jannene provides a rundown of the vote's "winners and losers." The website counts count 33 winners, "from strip clubs to Scott Walker to the streetcar," and 12 losers, "including Frank Gimbel, the Brewers and Seattle."

The AP reports that the Senate vote, much more of a sure thing that the previous vote, is expected next week.

Friday, July 17, 2015 in Urban Milwaukee

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