The “Vision Iowa” Board has entered into negotiations with Des Moines,Davenport and Waterloo for MILLIONS in state backing for major projects. Des Moines wants 75-MILLION for a new sports arena, a Hall of Pride and anew Science Center. Cedar Falls and Waterloo want 47 MILLION for a downtownart mall, expo center and indoor recreation center. Davenport wants34-MILLION for a bridge from the downtown to the riverfront, a venturecapital center and a new theatre and art center. Davenport Mayor PhilYerington is “elated” the project has cleared the first hurdle. The “VisionIowa” board told Davenport to go back and line up more local money for theprojects — including asking the riverboat to pay for the bridge to thecasino. Yerington admits there’s still a lot of work to do before thedeal’s done. Waterloo Mayor John Rooff says the focus of Waterloo’s requestis on the agri-trade center. “Vision Iowa” board chairman Michael Gardnertold the three communities to prioritize their requests — and prepare toget less money than they asked for.
