Lawmakers express concerns over Rays stadium funding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The debate over a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays is heating up, as state lawmakers now step in with some serious concerns about the cost to taxpayers.

The proposed stadium could cost as much as $2.3 billion with a big question mark still surrounding how much of that would come from private vs public funds.

State lawmakers say residents are already struggling with traffic in the area, funding for stormwater systems public safety, and roads.

Bay area reps Danny Alvarez, (R- Hillsborough) and Michael Owen shared some red flags today in a Tampa Bay Times editorial, calling any move to take a dollar from Hillsborough County’s tax base “beyond tone deaf.”

Rep. Alvarez took to X this morning to share his thoughts.

“At a time when my constituents are begging for a property tax solution, looking for help with affordability issues, and dealing with infrastructure and public safety shortfalls, it is beyond tone deaf to even think that a dollar of Hillsborough County tax base should go to building a stadium for private interests. After Florida’s CFO found over $300 million dollars in overspend and waste, you would think the next step is to cut and find relief or resources to give back, not go spend more. What is worse? They just promised us they wouldn’t spend money on a Stadium and now they are contemplating it. No wonder people have a hard time believing in us. I am NOT against the Rays or their plans, I want them here, but I am not willing to prioritize them over our Citizens and the basic business of government.”

And it’s not just republican lawmakers speaking out, democrats are sharing similar fears as well.

“How is this going to directly impact our communities here in the Tampa region,” said State Rep. Dianne Hart (D- Tampa). “What about the traffic congestion? It’s already congested. What about what’s happening with the college? Where will they go? How much money are you all putting into that project?”

Hart says she plans to press for those answers, hosting a public conversation with the Rays leadership, Ken Babby Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. on her Facebook live.

Meanwhile state leaders like Governor Ron DeSantis have signaled support by helping move the project forward in their last cabinet meeting, voting up on a land transfer tied to a potential site at Hillsborough Community College.

“I just want to make sure the taxpayers are being looked out for, so I’ll be watching closely,” said CFO Blaise Ingoglia.

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