A group of republican legislators plans to push for a 300-Million dollar state fund to help finance major city attractions, like sports arenas and museums. Representative Russell Teig, a republican from Jewell, says eligible projects would have to carry a price tag of at least 20-million dollars.The group envisions handing out that 300-million dollars over the next 10 to 20 years. Teig says it’s an economic development initiative.Teig says there’s pent-up demand for cultural and sports attractions, as they can generate revenue for communities and the state.Senator Jeff Lamberti, a republican from Ankeny, says it’s time for the state to make this kind of investment to get people to return to the state or keep young people here.Last year, the legislature established the “Community Attraction and Tourism or CAT fund” for projects in smaller communities.
