OHIO LEGISLATURE Track funding bill hinges on panel

The commission has taken no public stance on the proposal.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- The progress of a bill that would change the state's definition of sports to include auto racing for the state funding of facilities could depend on how the Arts and Sports Facilities Commission views the proposal.
State Senate President Doug White said Tuesday the House-passed bill's advance in the upper chamber will largely depend on the recommendation of Kathleen M. Fox, the ASFC executive director.
"If she comes to me and says it meets the statute ... then it'll go very quickly," said White, a Manchester Republican. Otherwise, the bill could slow down.
Fox couldn't be reached for comment. Her office said she was out of the country and wouldn't return for several days.
But a spokesman for the commission said the panel has been closely following the bill in the Legislature.
"We haven't taken a public stand on it yet," said Jerry Emig, a commission spokesman.
Lawmakers are working to finish the bulk of business before the expected summer recess later this month. After the lawmakers' recess, they are not expected to return to regular voting sessions until later in the year.
Background
The Ohio House recently approved the bill, sponsored by state Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood, that would change the definition of "sports" under Ohio law, which would allow the proposed motor speedway to receive funding through the commission.
The commission awards state money for sports stadiums and cultural arts projects across the state.
Consideration of the bill comes as businessmen are exploring the possible development of a 40-acre, indoor raceway on a 600-acre site near the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna Township, Trumbull County.
Current plans call for a three-quarter-mile oval with initial seating for 60,000 people and expandable to 120,000, according to developers led by Brant Motorsports of Morgantown, W.Va.
There would be 42 acres under a 400-foot high fabric dome roof, the developers say, and the facility could be used for racing, concerts, trade and consumer shows.
Brant Motorsports has estimated the total development cost at $300 million. He said funding would come from a mix of private and public sources.
If Stabile Harwood's bill becomes law, Brant Motorsports would have to apply for state funding.
With Richard Childress Racing, Brant Motorsports sponsors the No. 21 Rockwell Automation Chevy in the Busch Grand National series.
The measure passed the House on May 11 and remains pending in the Senate. It has not yet been assigned to a Senate committee for further study.
White said he believes motor sports enthusiasts could flock to new sites in Ohio.
"There are eight to 10 sites [around the state] that could be developed into good [motorsports] sites," White added.