3 weeks ago
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INDIANAPOLIS (INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — The Chicago Bears might not be packing their bags yet — but Indiana’s bid for the team picked up momentum Wednesday after senators approved legislation creating a state-run stadium authority that could finance and build a National Football League stadium in northwest Indiana.
Senate Bill 27, authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, advanced to the House in a 46-2 vote. Only Sens. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, and Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, voted against the bill.
The proposal establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a public body that would have the power to acquire land, issue long-term bonds and finance the construction of a professional football stadium and related facilities.
It’s the latest step in Indiana’s effort to court the Chicago Bears, who have publicly explored relocating amid stalled negotiations in Illinois over a proposed stadium development in Arlington Heights.
Mishler cautioned that the current draft “just creates the framework” and that “a lot of other details will need to be added” before the legislation could be finalized, including adding local representation to the authority’s board and outlining specific requirements and commitments from participating ...
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