By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – St. Louis officials made their pitch Tuesday for state funding for Ballpark Village.
Mayor Francis Slay says the $300-million complex will benefit the state of Missouri as a whole:
"This will generate a substantial amount, in addition to new jobs, a substantial amount of new revenues annually to the state of Missouri throughout the duration of the project," Slay said. "So I think this is going to be something that'll help us create an environment that'll be better for tourism, conventions, add more office space, be an amenity to those who live near and around downtown."
Slay had initially wanted the state to provide about $36 million to the project.
But state officials are only recommending $27 million, based on their estimates of the project's economic impact.
A vote on funding by the state Development Finance Board is expected next month.
If approved, the state could provide up to $71 million over 25 years for the Ballpark Village project.