Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – What is described as a bipartisan piece of legislation being introduced by a Springfield lawmaker, is one that she thinks will result in a $200 million investment into Springfield and its downtown.
State Sen. Doris Turner, at a news conference Tuesday, said the legislation would create the Capital Area Tourism Authority — which then could lead to an expansion of the BOS Center, and the building of an accompanying hotel the authority would own.
“This is true economic development that will bring jobs and tourism dollars to downtown, without Springfield residents having to pay any new taxes,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m going to repeat that for those of you in the back: without Springfield residents having to pay any new taxes.”
Turner claims the work would be paid for through the use of the hotel and the facilities.
It’s an idea that’s been talked about since before the potential demise of the Wyndam Hotel downtown.
And it’s one that State Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) likes as a resident, a lawmaker, and as chair of the Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority Board.
“This is what I call ‘Operation Save Downtown Springfield’: A proactive, united effort to revitalize our downtown, enhance safety, attract new visitors, and restore the energy and vitality that our capital city deserves,” said Coffey. SMEAA, the city, Sangamon County, and lawmakers have been working together on the proposal.
It was not lost Tuesday on Mayor Misty Buscher that the development would be a stone’s throw away from the new under-construction Sangamon County transit hub, and where all rail transit will be eventually moved to, as Third Street traffic moves to 10th Street. Buscher says that’s not the only transit center that will benefit.
“This is also going to have a huge impact for our local airport,” said Buscher. “We will be able to get national conventions with this expansion, and will help the Airport Authority as well as many others.”
Turner says a subject matter hearing on it will be Thursday.
The legislation is SB3499.
