OHIO LEGISLATION Law would lead to funding for auto-racing facilities
An indoor raceway is being proposed near the airport in Vienna.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Republican Gov. Bob Taft is expected to sign into law soon a bill that would change the state's definition of sports to include auto sports so that the state can fund such facilities.
Taft spokeswoman Ann Husted said she was unsure when Taft would sign the bill, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood of Niles, D-65th.
The bill was one of several measures passed this week in the Legislature as lawmakers worked feverishly to finish legislative business before Memorial Day.
"We've got lots of bills we're sorting through," Husted said Friday. "But we don't have a problem at all" with Stabile Harwood's bill.
State lawmakers aren't expected to return to voting sessions until the fall.
Stabile Harwood's bill would change the definition of sports under Ohio law, which could allow a proposed motor speedway for the Youngstown-area to apply for state funding through the Ohio Arts and Sports Facilities Commission.
The commission awards state money for sports stadiums and cultural arts projects across the state.
Provisions added as the bill moved through the Legislature include those that would require public ownership of a motorsports racetrack and a six-month notice for ending a lease early that would also require the repayment of any state funds used to construct a track.
Stabile Harwood said she's pleased her measure will soon be on the books.
"If there are any minor things that need to be tweaked, we feel we can work on that, and we're just happy to have the bill passed."
Site near airport
The measure comes as businessmen are exploring the possible development of a 40-acre, indoor raceway on a 600-acre site adjacent to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Current plans call for a 3/4-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, according to developers, and the facility could be used for racing, concerts, trade and consumer shows.
Brant Motorsports has estimated the total development cost at $300 million. 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 Bush Grand National series.