Republicans want to fund sports/convention projects

Legislators are exploring ways to help Iowa cities finance projects like sports arenas and convention centers. One such proposal would use a portionof state sales taxes for grants to cities. Another option outlined by House Speaker Ron Corbett would use growing taxes from the state’s race tracks. The first project in line would be a sports complex in Iowa’s capitol city. Over the next five years, Corbett says up to 100-milliondollars would be available under his scenario which uses growing race track taxes. And he says it wouldn’t JUST be for the Des Moines project.Next week, Corbett will meet with Des Moines city leaders and others to discuss the idea. Last year, the legislature balked at committing state taxdollars to development of a NASCAR race track in the Quad Cities.