Another Alexandria arena project proposal fails, negotiations to shift to budget legislation

A bill to create a sports arena in Alexandria, Virginia for the Wizards and Capitals has been declared dead by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian. The bill would have established a sports and entertainment authority to fund the project through bonds, but Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas declined to hear it. Another bill for the same purpose, introduced by Senator Scott Surovell, also died without a hearing. Despite this setback, Torian is hopeful that the arena plan will be included in a House budget bill that includes setting up a state sports and entertainment authority. Monumental Opportunity, a group affiliated with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, expressed no surprise at the bill’s demise and is supportive of the budget language that is being considered. Torian’s discussions with Lucas were reported by the Washington Post, and WTOP is seeking comments from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who had previously participated in the announcement of the sports and entertainment district project. As the fate of the sports arena project remains uncertain, stakeholders continue to work towards finding a solution that will benefit the community and sports fans in the region.

Source
Photo credit wtop.com