Here is a link to the article on Floridamarlins.com (sorry if it has already been posted):

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp

 

04/21/2004 12:41 AM ET

President pushing for new park

May 1 deadline for team to secure funding

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Tickets Scoreboard Fantasy

 

 

Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday the proposed new ballpark would be located in the Orange Bowl neighborhood. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA -- Amid pessimism from state lawmakers regarding $60 million in funding for a new stadium, Marlins president David Samson maintains the quest for state funding is "far from over."

The Marlins' pitch for a $60 million state subsidy was dealt a serious blow Tuesday by Florida lawmakers in Tallahassee.

 

House Speaker Johnnie Byrd told The Associated Press he no longer supports putting into next year's budget a $2 million annual tax break over 30 years.

 

"It wasn't a good idea," Tom Denham, Byrd's spokesman, told The Associated Press.

 

But in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday night, Samson noted there are 11 days left until the May 1 deadline, which coincides with the conclusion of the Legislative session.

 

"It is by no means over," Samson said. "It's not over till it's over."

 

Samson used a baseball analogy to point out the Marlins were down 3-1 in games to the Cubs in the NLCS only to rally back to win the series.

 

Samson's optimism is based on accelerated talks in recent days with Miami-Dade officials.

 

Movement has been made to secure more local funding, and for the first time Samson announced the probable site. An announcement on the local part of the deal could come as early as Monday.

 

Samson said the site would be in the Orange Bowl neighborhood and it calls for a retractable roof.

 

"We're not just close, we're done," Samson said, referring to finalizing local funding.

 

The "last piece," he says, is roughly $30 million of the $60 million sought from the state. That's where the deal has stalled, and it is uncertain if lawmakers will have a change of heart.

 

From the state, the Marlins are seeking a similar subsidy enjoyed by other professional sports teams in Florida, including the Miami Dolphins, with whom they share Pro Player Stadium.

 

The Marlins are facing the May 1 deadline to secure funding on a $325 million stadium. The team claims the deadline must be met in order to open a 38,000-seat facility for the 2007 season. That deadline, Samson said, remains firm.

 

The Marlins are putting up $137 million and Miami-Dade County has voted to chip in $73 million in bed taxes.

 

From the start, Senate President Jim King strongly opposed the $60 million state subsidy.

 

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush supported the Marlins' bid for the state subsidy, but realized it faced an uphill battle.

 

"I would hope the Marlins would get the same benefits as all the other professional sports teams in the state," Bush said. "But I understand that they started late in the game and not all of their proposal is finite."

 

Added Samson: "We are hopeful it will happen by May 1."

 

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

 

 

What's interesting is the quote from Samson saying that the local financing is not just close, but done and that there is a $30 million dollar gap that the state funding would close. I just can't see a relatively small amount (in the grand scheme of things) like $30 million being a deal breaker.

 

In addition, Joe Arriola is quoted in the Herald this morning as saying:

 

''The Orange Bowl site for the Marlins is very much in play now,'' Arriola said. Arriola said it would be much easier to build a stadium at the Orange Bowl with the addition of state money, but that one can still be built there without the Legislature's help.

 

Link:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/8479211.htm

 

So my question is if all the other plans are finalized by May 1, could they not begin construction and fill the final $30 million gap later on? It seems as though there is support for the state funding, but the hang up is time. It seems as though they would be able, if they cannot get it this year, to go back to the state next year and present their proposal on time and get the help that they need. Is there anyone here with more insight on this? Thanks.

Need to have at least that much money because odds are that the cost will actually be more than expected. Nice to see retractable roof involved. Im sure South Florida expecting rain has deterred many people form going to games. I just hope the lease isnt as bad as originally thought