Update: Penguins arena money is ready

[Corban]

The budget was just passed a little bit ago tonight. And why this is important is because the money for the Penguins new arena was tied into this. The fear was that if this was not passed in a timely manner, than the Pens could not start building until the funds were made available. But fast Eddy (our beloved Governor ) just said that the Pens timeline for haveing the new arena up ('09) is a go. And this will not affect them for cost overruns and such.

I was not worried that this would not get done, but it just is really nice now to say that the money is all freed up now!

Budget deal reached

Another element is a new gaming-funded economic development fund that will help finance a new hockey arena in Pittsburgh and an expansion of Philadelphia's convention center

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07190/800537-100.stm

Click to read more...

 

[Jaded-Fan]

Knew it was merely a matter of time, but still good to see it nailed down.

 

[Corban]

Budget deal puts Pa. back in business

And in an important matter for Pittsburgh, legislators agreed to a new slots-funded economic development program that will help finance a new $300 million hockey arena in Pittsburgh.

"That's important,'' Mr. Rendell said, "because it allows the Penguins to move into their new arena on schedule and not fall a year behind.''

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07191/800605-85.stm

 

[iceman64]

finally.......what an absolute circus the whole process was

 

[King_Stannis]

Amen. They had to close down Presque Isle state park, one of the main attractions to Erie, until all of this crap was sorted out.

 

[ej_pens]

Amen. They had to close down Presque Isle state park, one of the main attractions to Erie, until all of this crap was sorted out.

For an entire day! Oh noes!