State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, endorsed the Little Egypt Oasis proposal yesterday in West Frankfort, according to the Daily American.
"It's our time" he's quoted as saying in the online headline.
The proposal by local businessman Scott Williams would develop the Little Egypt Oasis on the the Burlington-Northern railroad bridge over Interstate 57, immediately south of Route 149.
The bridge is privately-owned and offers development potential. The project also calls for a new road to be built connecting Routes 37 and 149 along the old railroad right-of-way which would create a southwest bypass for area residents.
Currently the presence of the railroad bridge abutments blocks visibility for the northbound exit ramp off of the interstate which has long been blamed for a series of traffic wrecks at the site — "blood on the pavement" as highway planners would note.
With the planned expansion of I-57 to six lanes between I-64 and I-24, the problem becomes even more severe. The Illinois Department of Transportation can either remove the bridge which is no longer needed for the railroad or move the ramps.
Initially they planned to remove the bridge until they discovered the state didn't own it. Buying it would immediately raise the price of the project by millions as it cost $1 million 50 years ago when the interstate was under construction. Today's price would be significantly higher.
Now, IDOT officials are open to Plan B suggested by Williams. Basically, this would split the existing diamond-shaped interchange at Exit 65 and move the two ramps on the south side, farther south to North Road, the next road south of the bridge about a 1.5 miles from Rt. 149. Then, one-way access roads would link the two sets of ramps.
It would be similar to the ramps and access roads in Paducah where you get off at one exit, and then go down the access road until you get to the road for the hospital or Whitehaven, the historic site that houses the visitors center.
I admit even before I heard the details of Williams' plan I was in favor. I love the idea of taking a long unused asset like the bridge and making it into something that generates economic development. We've got a lot of unused assets in Southern Illinois that just need some creative thinking applied.
I'll talk about the details in another post as it's got great potential to not only create a new tourist site in the region, but also help promote all the others.
Showing posts with label tourism proposals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourism proposals. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Developers Meet First Deadline, Quinn Waits for Bill
Today's Southern Illinoisan notes that developers of the proposed STAR Bonds district in Marion have met their first deadline, as reported yesterday in this blog.
Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn's office is still awaiting delivery of SB 2093 from the Senate before they can take action. The Senate has 30 days to deliver the bill and the governor 60 days after delivery to act.
The proposed district will be between 250 and 500 acres located mostly east of Interstate 57 and north of Morgan Avenue, and will likely include another 45 to 50 acres undeveloped as part of The Hill adjacent to Menard's.
Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn's office is still awaiting delivery of SB 2093 from the Senate before they can take action. The Senate has 30 days to deliver the bill and the governor 60 days after delivery to act.
The proposed district will be between 250 and 500 acres located mostly east of Interstate 57 and north of Morgan Avenue, and will likely include another 45 to 50 acres undeveloped as part of The Hill adjacent to Menard's.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Today's First Deadline for Big Marion Development
Developers are still waiting for Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on Senate Bill 2093, but their first deadline is in less than 8 hours.
Before midnight tonight, Bruce Holland and his development team must "own or have control of, through purchase agreements, option contracts, or other means, not less than 50% of the acreage within the STAR bond district," according to the legislation.
Most of the land being targeted is already owned by Marion Heights LLC, developers of The Hill. In past statements Holland has described his project as 300 to 350 acres, but the bill allows room for expansion, allowing from 250 to 500 acres to be included.
Ironically, this clause is also found in State Sen. John O. Jones' last minute amendment to SB 2881, his version of the STAR Bonds bill which would have allowed for the creation of a second STAR bonds district in Jefferson County at Mount Vernon's new Exit 94 on Interstate 57.
Neither Jones nor King City Mayor Mary Jane Chesney ever identified a developer interested in the parcel, which makes it unlikely the city could have found a way around this requirement.
During the hearing at the Senate's Labor Committee last Thursday, Chesney specifically stated her city was not interested in the tourism component of the bill. Despite her statement the legislation stipulates tourism as one of the key purposes for creating such districts.
There would have been another hiccup for Mount Vernon as well. In order to apply for the creation of a STAR Bonds district the master developer has to show a plan to secure not only a destination user, but an entertainment user as well.
The "destination user" is a major retailer with a building of at least 150,000 square feet, no other store within 70 miles and attract at least 30 percent of customers from more than 75 miles away, or at least out of state.
The "entertainment user" is more interesting. The short definition is theme park, but here's the long version as well:
The biggest hurdle for a Mount Vernon STAR Bonds district would have been the area itself. In order to qualify for a STAR Bonds, it has to be blighted. As Marion found out a quarter century ago in the Mall Wars, just because a parcel of land is undeveloped it does not mean it's blighted, especially when it's at a new interstate interchange.
Before midnight tonight, Bruce Holland and his development team must "own or have control of, through purchase agreements, option contracts, or other means, not less than 50% of the acreage within the STAR bond district," according to the legislation.
Most of the land being targeted is already owned by Marion Heights LLC, developers of The Hill. In past statements Holland has described his project as 300 to 350 acres, but the bill allows room for expansion, allowing from 250 to 500 acres to be included.
Ironically, this clause is also found in State Sen. John O. Jones' last minute amendment to SB 2881, his version of the STAR Bonds bill which would have allowed for the creation of a second STAR bonds district in Jefferson County at Mount Vernon's new Exit 94 on Interstate 57.
Neither Jones nor King City Mayor Mary Jane Chesney ever identified a developer interested in the parcel, which makes it unlikely the city could have found a way around this requirement.
During the hearing at the Senate's Labor Committee last Thursday, Chesney specifically stated her city was not interested in the tourism component of the bill. Despite her statement the legislation stipulates tourism as one of the key purposes for creating such districts.
It is further found and declared to be the policy of the State, in the interest of promoting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of all the people of the State, to provide incentives to create new job opportunities and to promote major tourism, entertainment, retail, and related destination projects within the State.
There would have been another hiccup for Mount Vernon as well. In order to apply for the creation of a STAR Bonds district the master developer has to show a plan to secure not only a destination user, but an entertainment user as well.
The "destination user" is a major retailer with a building of at least 150,000 square feet, no other store within 70 miles and attract at least 30 percent of customers from more than 75 miles away, or at least out of state.
The "entertainment user" is more interesting. The short definition is theme park, but here's the long version as well:
"Entertainment user" means an owner, operator, licensee, a co-developer, subdeveloper, or tenant that operates a business within a STAR bond district that has a primary use of providing a venue for entertainment attractions, rides, or other activities oriented toward the entertainment and amusement of its patrons, occupies at least 20 acres of land in the STAR bond district, and makes an initial capital investment, including project costs and other direct and indirect costs, of not less than $25,000,000 for that venue.
The biggest hurdle for a Mount Vernon STAR Bonds district would have been the area itself. In order to qualify for a STAR Bonds, it has to be blighted. As Marion found out a quarter century ago in the Mall Wars, just because a parcel of land is undeveloped it does not mean it's blighted, especially when it's at a new interstate interchange.
Friday, May 28, 2010
So Just How Big a Deal is It?
Bob Butler cried tears of joy tonight as the Illinois Senate gave him what will likely be the crowning achievement in his nearly five decades as mayor.
That's just how big a deal this evening's vote in favor of Senate Bill 2093 was.
Never could Marion's fiesty mayor of 47 years be described as speechless, but when the Senate Labor Committee approved the bill this afternoon, all he could do was grin as he left the room afterwards.
Tonight, he cried, when the Illinois Senate passed the STAR Bonds bill on a 2-to-1 margin with 34 ayes, 17 nays and 3 voting present.
Never one to shy away from emotion in a city council meeting or an interview with reporters, Butler's usually known for his quick wit or sharp retort like his "stop whining" comment to Mount Vernon at a recent Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting.
City Hall followers have seen him mad, angry, exasperated, enthralled, engaged, and in any number of emotions, but tears of joy may have been a first.
The STAR Bonds bill, otherwise known as the Innovative Development and Economy Act, represents more than just another economic development tool for the city. As critics repeatedly pointed out today, it could be as much as $400 million in rebates to developers over the next few decades if all goes as planned.
All being more than 6,000 construction jobs and nearly 5,000 permanent positions.
To put those incentives in perspective that's 100 times the amount the state kicked in for the Southern Illinois Miners stadium at Rent One Park five years ago.
That's around 10 times more than the state-funded improvements on Route 13 and the new upcoming I-57 interchange in Marion that's now just starting.
Potentially it's a bigger impact than the coming of the mall and the first use of tax increment financing districts 20 years ago. In a word, it's huge.
Historically, it's like getting the interstate finished and open with two interchanges at the edge of your city — something that happened to Marion during Butler's first term.
And it almost didn't happen.
The Senate's Committee on Assignments sent the bill to the State Government and Veterans Committee for a 10 a.m. scheduled hearing this morning. But opponent and Mount Vernon state Sen. John O. Jones sits on that committee. Apparently, the votes weren't there, or at least represented too much of a risk.
So back to the Assignments state Sen. Gary Forby carried the bill. It could be sent to the Executive Committee some thought which didn't meet until much later. In the end, it went to Labor, a committee normally chaired by Forby himself, for mid-afternoon.
He opened the committee for business then turned over the gavel to another so he could testify on his bill's behalf. Supporters, opponents, lobbyists and media packed Room 212, the ornate hearing room on the second floor of the Capitol that once housed the Illinois Supreme Court.
Dozens signed slips stating their support or opposition. Forby and developer Bruce Holland testified in favor. Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney spoke in opposition to SB 2093, but in favor of another bill that would add Mount Vernon to the mix.
Forby's two state Reps, John Bradley and Brandon Phelps, started the session with last minute lobbying of the committee members themselves. For 15 minutes Forby delayed the start as the crowd continued to draw its way inside.
During the testimony, Bradley repeatedly left his seat crouching at Forby's side with an answer or suggestion to an opponent's remark. An expectant father in a maternity ward couldn't have been more anxious. This was their baby. It was time to deliver.
The committee voted 8-2 in favor and sent it to the Senate. Another committee took over the room. Forby needed a breather and headed back to his office. They'd passed the first challenge. Now he had just an hour to prepare for the next.
When the Senate opened for its final session Forby took to the floor and argued his case. Opponents of the bill split between those who thought it went too far, and those who argued not far enough. Include Mount Vernon at the very least, they pleaded, if not the entire state.
After 40 minutes the acting Senate President called for the roll. Backers had hoped for 36 votes, the super majority needed to override any vetoes, but settled for the 34.
Still afterwards,the developers felt satisfied. If needed there might be some ayes in those who voted present, not to mention the vote of the Senate leader himself, John Cullerton, who was not present and didn't vote. The moves today through the committees, not to mention the almost last minute vote on the bill itself wouldn't have happened without his blessing.
As the supporters and opponents left for their long drives home, the question for the developers and lawmakers became what to do next.
With President Obama arriving in Chicago today, Gov. Pat Quinn had left for the Windy City prior to the vote. He wasn't in town, but his staff remained, and Bradley and others immediately reached out.
Then there were calls to others who had helped, letting them know the joyous news. For the younger Hollands, the developer's son and nephew, they told the same message but to a different audience — the companies that had been interested for months in the plan.
While it's true as Forby and Holland often had to admit today, that no one had signed on to the project as yet, it didn't mean no one was interested. The calls went out; the bill has passed. Let's get together and talk.
They'd been to this point before the previous year when lawmakers passed the bill for Glen Carbon, before Quinn's amendatory veto. They made some changes and addressed his concerns in the new bill that passed today. And now they wait.
And so do we all.
That's just how big a deal this evening's vote in favor of Senate Bill 2093 was.
Never could Marion's fiesty mayor of 47 years be described as speechless, but when the Senate Labor Committee approved the bill this afternoon, all he could do was grin as he left the room afterwards.
Tonight, he cried, when the Illinois Senate passed the STAR Bonds bill on a 2-to-1 margin with 34 ayes, 17 nays and 3 voting present.
Never one to shy away from emotion in a city council meeting or an interview with reporters, Butler's usually known for his quick wit or sharp retort like his "stop whining" comment to Mount Vernon at a recent Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting.
City Hall followers have seen him mad, angry, exasperated, enthralled, engaged, and in any number of emotions, but tears of joy may have been a first.
The STAR Bonds bill, otherwise known as the Innovative Development and Economy Act, represents more than just another economic development tool for the city. As critics repeatedly pointed out today, it could be as much as $400 million in rebates to developers over the next few decades if all goes as planned.
All being more than 6,000 construction jobs and nearly 5,000 permanent positions.
To put those incentives in perspective that's 100 times the amount the state kicked in for the Southern Illinois Miners stadium at Rent One Park five years ago.
That's around 10 times more than the state-funded improvements on Route 13 and the new upcoming I-57 interchange in Marion that's now just starting.
Potentially it's a bigger impact than the coming of the mall and the first use of tax increment financing districts 20 years ago. In a word, it's huge.
Historically, it's like getting the interstate finished and open with two interchanges at the edge of your city — something that happened to Marion during Butler's first term.
And it almost didn't happen.
The Senate's Committee on Assignments sent the bill to the State Government and Veterans Committee for a 10 a.m. scheduled hearing this morning. But opponent and Mount Vernon state Sen. John O. Jones sits on that committee. Apparently, the votes weren't there, or at least represented too much of a risk.
So back to the Assignments state Sen. Gary Forby carried the bill. It could be sent to the Executive Committee some thought which didn't meet until much later. In the end, it went to Labor, a committee normally chaired by Forby himself, for mid-afternoon.
He opened the committee for business then turned over the gavel to another so he could testify on his bill's behalf. Supporters, opponents, lobbyists and media packed Room 212, the ornate hearing room on the second floor of the Capitol that once housed the Illinois Supreme Court.
Dozens signed slips stating their support or opposition. Forby and developer Bruce Holland testified in favor. Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney spoke in opposition to SB 2093, but in favor of another bill that would add Mount Vernon to the mix.
Forby's two state Reps, John Bradley and Brandon Phelps, started the session with last minute lobbying of the committee members themselves. For 15 minutes Forby delayed the start as the crowd continued to draw its way inside.
During the testimony, Bradley repeatedly left his seat crouching at Forby's side with an answer or suggestion to an opponent's remark. An expectant father in a maternity ward couldn't have been more anxious. This was their baby. It was time to deliver.
The committee voted 8-2 in favor and sent it to the Senate. Another committee took over the room. Forby needed a breather and headed back to his office. They'd passed the first challenge. Now he had just an hour to prepare for the next.
When the Senate opened for its final session Forby took to the floor and argued his case. Opponents of the bill split between those who thought it went too far, and those who argued not far enough. Include Mount Vernon at the very least, they pleaded, if not the entire state.
After 40 minutes the acting Senate President called for the roll. Backers had hoped for 36 votes, the super majority needed to override any vetoes, but settled for the 34.
Still afterwards,the developers felt satisfied. If needed there might be some ayes in those who voted present, not to mention the vote of the Senate leader himself, John Cullerton, who was not present and didn't vote. The moves today through the committees, not to mention the almost last minute vote on the bill itself wouldn't have happened without his blessing.
As the supporters and opponents left for their long drives home, the question for the developers and lawmakers became what to do next.
With President Obama arriving in Chicago today, Gov. Pat Quinn had left for the Windy City prior to the vote. He wasn't in town, but his staff remained, and Bradley and others immediately reached out.
Then there were calls to others who had helped, letting them know the joyous news. For the younger Hollands, the developer's son and nephew, they told the same message but to a different audience — the companies that had been interested for months in the plan.
While it's true as Forby and Holland often had to admit today, that no one had signed on to the project as yet, it didn't mean no one was interested. The calls went out; the bill has passed. Let's get together and talk.
They'd been to this point before the previous year when lawmakers passed the bill for Glen Carbon, before Quinn's amendatory veto. They made some changes and addressed his concerns in the new bill that passed today. And now they wait.
And so do we all.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
It's Official, Labor's the Committee, 2:30 p.m. is the Time
The Senate has just posted that the Labor Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon in Room 212 of the Capitol. The only bill is SB 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act, otherwise known as the Millennium Development bill.
Still Waiting, But Here's More on the Labor Committee
Still waiting for a time to be set on a hearing for the Millennium Development bill for Marion. With it being yanked out of the committee that state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, sits on, it's now supposedly set to go to Labor.
The first committee had a 5-4 split between Republicans and Democrats. The Labor Committee, which is chaired by the bill sponsor, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has a partisan split of 7-4. We can only assume it will pass in that committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate has stalled on the pension borrowing bill and the House on the cigarette tax hike. The more delays on the big items, but more time for SB 2093 to make it out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a final vote.
The first committee had a 5-4 split between Republicans and Democrats. The Labor Committee, which is chaired by the bill sponsor, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has a partisan split of 7-4. We can only assume it will pass in that committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate has stalled on the pension borrowing bill and the House on the cigarette tax hike. The more delays on the big items, but more time for SB 2093 to make it out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a final vote.
Latest Update on Millennium Development Bill
Senate leaders have decided to have another committee hear SB 2093 today. Rather than the State Government and Veterans Committee, which state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, is a member. Plans, supposedly, are to bring it before the Senate Labor Committee.
However at this time, a committee hearing has not been set.
In other action, state Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, has requested a Fiscal Note on the bill be provided by the Department of Revenue. The same thing to place in the House, and it's not known if Revenue would have any more details now than they did three weeks ago.
A number of Marion, Williamson and Franklin County officials are present in the Statehouse awaiting action.
However at this time, a committee hearing has not been set.
In other action, state Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, has requested a Fiscal Note on the bill be provided by the Department of Revenue. The same thing to place in the House, and it's not known if Revenue would have any more details now than they did three weeks ago.
A number of Marion, Williamson and Franklin County officials are present in the Statehouse awaiting action.
Bradley, Forby Says No to Mount Vernon,
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, both are rejecting Mount Vernon's attempt to be added to SB 2093, this year's bill creating STAR Bond Districts in Illinois for the first time.
Today's Southern reports state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has drafted an amendment which would allow a second district to be created off of Exit 94 on Interstate 57. Forby though remains opposed to an amendment at this time, as today may be the last day of the session.
Meanwhile the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the bill.
The bill for the Millennium Development project in Marion will be heard in committee later this morning at 10 a.m. A vote in the full Senate is expected later today.
Today's Southern reports state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has drafted an amendment which would allow a second district to be created off of Exit 94 on Interstate 57. Forby though remains opposed to an amendment at this time, as today may be the last day of the session.
Meanwhile the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the bill.
"It is the board's desire that this bill, which has already passed through the state House of Representatives and will soon come up for vote in the state Senate, will be instrumental in bolstering growth and revenue with spin-offs and benefits for the entire region," the statement said. "It is our hope that this powerful economic development tool will open the door for increased cooperative efforts in future development projects with mutually beneficial advancements that cross both county and city lines.
"While we understand that there are various factors involved with this development that could be cause for concern, it is our hope that a joint, regional effort will mitigate the concerns and capitalize on the collective, strengths of the region's economy, to ensure the project is a success for all of us."
The bill for the Millennium Development project in Marion will be heard in committee later this morning at 10 a.m. A vote in the full Senate is expected later today.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hearing Set for 10 a.m. Thursday on STAR Bonds Bill
The Senate's Committee on Assignments has sent SB 2093 to the State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in Room 409 of the State Capitol Building.
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds district in Marion for the proposed Millennium Development project.
The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this month.
The committee's other business includes two Senate resolutions (SR 782 and SR 860) and SB3739, the Save Our Neighborhoods Act, which focuses on reducing the impact of home foreclosures in Illinois.
With a committee vote expected before noon, the Senate is expected to vote as early as that afternoon.
As the Marion Daily Republican reported in its latest on the plan, the project is expected to generate the following:
In Mount Vernon, efforts to slow down/jump on board the idea of the STAR Bonds legislation took a hit when the Jefferson County Board declined to back the city's efforts.
Garrett by the way is the former high school principal and later superintendent of the Mount Vernon Township High School district where current mayor, and former art teacher, Mary Jane Chesney taught before her retirement.
Garrett's reluctance to commit and Board Chairman Ted Buck unwillingness to fight irritated another board member who thought the board should take a position.
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds district in Marion for the proposed Millennium Development project.
The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this month.
The committee's other business includes two Senate resolutions (SR 782 and SR 860) and SB3739, the Save Our Neighborhoods Act, which focuses on reducing the impact of home foreclosures in Illinois.
With a committee vote expected before noon, the Senate is expected to vote as early as that afternoon.
As the Marion Daily Republican reported in its latest on the plan, the project is expected to generate the following:
- Create 6,000 jobs during construction and earnings of more than $174 million,
- Create 5,686 full-time jobs (both direct and indirect) upon full completion with payroll to exceed $250 million,
- Generate a "total market impact of goods and services produced in the region as a result of the development" by more than $395 million, and
- Result in a $757 million positive impact on the region's economy.
In Mount Vernon, efforts to slow down/jump on board the idea of the STAR Bonds legislation took a hit when the Jefferson County Board declined to back the city's efforts.
... board member Dr. Pat Garrett countered that the board doesn’t know if they have anything to lose by supporting inclusion in the STAR bonds bill.
“I think you’d want to know the particulars,” Garrett said. “I don’t support this, because I personally don’t know enough.”
Garrett by the way is the former high school principal and later superintendent of the Mount Vernon Township High School district where current mayor, and former art teacher, Mary Jane Chesney taught before her retirement.
Garrett's reluctance to commit and Board Chairman Ted Buck unwillingness to fight irritated another board member who thought the board should take a position.
“To have such a noncommittal display from the board chair or Pat Garrett is a disgusting display of arrogance or ignorance,” he said.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Clock Starts Tomorrow on Development Bill
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act, would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds District in Marion, Illinois.
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, is the chief Senate sponsor of the bill. As of this afternoon his office believes the bill will have its committee hearing sometime Thursday.
Meanwhile, the number of public officials supporting the project is now up to 54, according to Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter who gave a rousing endorsement at the recent Herrin City Council meeting.
If we're going to talk the regional economic talk, we've got to walk the regional economic walk.
Ritter noted that before Maytag closed its plant in his city, it employed residents not only from Herrin and Williamson County, but from 15 other surrounding counties. He expects the same from this plan.
Marion will come out smelling like a rose, but the entire area will benefit.
Ritter plans to join other public officials in Springfield Thursday.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Vote No Earlier Than Wednesday
Although the Illinois House will return to work Monday on the budget, the Senate doesn't plan to reconvene until Wednesday, according to the State Journal-Register.
That means a vote on the new Millennium Development plan for Marion remains at least five days away.
Democrats which control both chambers are expected to pass a budget by the end of the week to avoid going into overtime in June. At that point budgets require a super-majority vote which would empower the Republicans which have been virtually shut out of the budget process.
That means a vote on the new Millennium Development plan for Marion remains at least five days away.
Democrats which control both chambers are expected to pass a budget by the end of the week to avoid going into overtime in June. At that point budgets require a super-majority vote which would empower the Republicans which have been virtually shut out of the budget process.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Illinois House Passes IDEA Bill
The Illinois House of Representatives has voted 76-39-1 in favor of SB 2093, the IDEA bill that would allow STAR Bonds financing of a new tourism and retail development in Marion.
It was a quite vigorous debate. Going into it there was word that State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, would vote no. Instead, he voted for it and called on his fellow House members to support the bill in this video thanks to Capitol Fax.
Next stop is the Illinois Senate.
Meanwhile budget negotiations have broken down with the House voting down various aspects of it. That means the General Assembly won't be ending their session tonight as planned which gives the bill more time.
The deadline for final action on the bill has been extended to May 28. Both chambers have adjourned for the day.
Over in the Senate, state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has formally filed a motion to concur with the House's amendments which added the Marion incentive plan. The motion to concur has been referred to the Assignments Committee, whose chairman, state Sen. James Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville, was the former sponsor of the bill when it focused on Glen Carbon.
In another late change, state Sen. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, has joined the bill as an alternate chief co-sponsor. He's got to be looking at the STAR bonds and how they could be used for the proposed Music City Illinois destination and convention resort in western Perry County.
It was a quite vigorous debate. Going into it there was word that State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, would vote no. Instead, he voted for it and called on his fellow House members to support the bill in this video thanks to Capitol Fax.
Next stop is the Illinois Senate.
Meanwhile budget negotiations have broken down with the House voting down various aspects of it. That means the General Assembly won't be ending their session tonight as planned which gives the bill more time.
The deadline for final action on the bill has been extended to May 28. Both chambers have adjourned for the day.
Over in the Senate, state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has formally filed a motion to concur with the House's amendments which added the Marion incentive plan. The motion to concur has been referred to the Assignments Committee, whose chairman, state Sen. James Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville, was the former sponsor of the bill when it focused on Glen Carbon.
In another late change, state Sen. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, has joined the bill as an alternate chief co-sponsor. He's got to be looking at the STAR bonds and how they could be used for the proposed Music City Illinois destination and convention resort in western Perry County.
Debate Begins in House on Bradley Bill
The live audio and video streaming of the House of Representatives is down, but the Capitol Fax Blog is reporting that the House is currently debating Bradley's bill.
Fiscal and Budget Notes Detailed, Somewhat
The following is the Fiscal and Balanced Budget notes that were filed earlier today on state Rep. John Bradley's IDEA bill for the Marion development.
The thing to keep in mind is that much of this sales tax revenue would not exist in the first place for Illinois if it wasn't for the project.
Fiscal Note, House Floor Amendment No. 4 (Dept. of Revenue)
The Department of Revenue was not provided with a plan or detailed description of the proposed development, its precise location, or any financial details. This information is critical to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed STAR Bonds development. Thus, the estimate below is limited in scope. SB 2093 (H-AM 4) would cost the State $12,500,000 per year over a 23 to 35 year period totaling between $287.5 million and $437.5 million in future sales tax revenue as estimated by the Department of Revenue. These funds would be diverted to the STAR Bond district. Based on the information provided by the developer, the Department is unable to forecast the impact on existing sales tax revenue.
Balanced Budget Note, House Floor Amendment No. 4 (Office of Management and Budget)
The Department of Revenue was not provided with a plan or detailed description of the proposed development, its precise location, or any financial details. This information is critical to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed STAR Bonds development. Thus, the estimate below is limited in scope. SB 2093 (H-AM 4) would cost the State $12,500,000 per year over a 23 to 35 year period totaling between $287.5 million and $437.5 million in future sales tax revenue as estimated by the Department of Revenue. These funds would be diverted to the STAR Bond district. Based on the information provided by the developer, the Department is unable to forecast the impact on existing sales tax revenue.
The thing to keep in mind is that much of this sales tax revenue would not exist in the first place for Illinois if it wasn't for the project.
Balanced Budget Note Filed, No Details Yet
Staff have filed the Balanced Budget Note which is the last of the 10 impact notes requested last night on state Rep. John Bradley's IDEA bill.
Details still await on this note as well as the fiscal impact. Neither have been posted, but with them filed, the House can now take a vote on the bill which is expected within hours.
Details still await on this note as well as the fiscal impact. Neither have been posted, but with them filed, the House can now take a vote on the bill which is expected within hours.
Fiscal Note Filed, Details Await on IDEA
The Fiscal Note, or how the bureaucrats at Revenue think the bill will affect the state's finances, has been filed for the IDEA bill, leaving the bill still waiting for one note - how the bill will affect the state's unbalanced budget.
The details haven't been posted yet.
Movement only appears slow on this until you realize the announcement for the project was last Saturday and the actual bill language wasn't filed until Wednesday.
So far the various notes shows that the legislation will not do the following:
The details haven't been posted yet.
Movement only appears slow on this until you realize the announcement for the project was last Saturday and the actual bill language wasn't filed until Wednesday.
So far the various notes shows that the legislation will not do the following:
- Impact the Department of Corrections either financially or in terms of prison populations,
- Require any appraisals because there are no land conveyances included in the bill,
- Impact any public pension fund or retirement system in Illinois,
- Change the amount of state-backed bonds authorized in the system as STAR bonds would not be an obligation of the State of Illinois,
- Either increase or decrease the number of judges need,
- Pre-empt home rule authority,
- Create a state mandate, and
- Have any effect on the cost of constructing, purchasing, owning or selling a single-family residence.
More Impact Notes Filed, Votes Set Later Today
More of the "notes" have been filed on the IDEA bill that state Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, had requested. We're still waiting for the last two.
So far most of these notes or impact statements from various state departments show that there would be no impact, evidence of stalling technique.
What's left is the Fiscal and Balanced Budget reports. These are the two big ones and are legitimate considering the proposal involves STAR bonds for the Marion project, an incentive that's never been tried in Illinois.
In order to pass, the bill has to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives. They have to pass it and then it will go to the Senate for a vote. All of that needs to be done today.
Meanwhile, House Democrats are meeting with Gov. Quinn this morning about the budget.
So far most of these notes or impact statements from various state departments show that there would be no impact, evidence of stalling technique.
What's left is the Fiscal and Balanced Budget reports. These are the two big ones and are legitimate considering the proposal involves STAR bonds for the Marion project, an incentive that's never been tried in Illinois.
In order to pass, the bill has to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives. They have to pass it and then it will go to the Senate for a vote. All of that needs to be done today.
Meanwhile, House Democrats are meeting with Gov. Quinn this morning about the budget.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
House Expected to Take Up IDEA Bill Tonight
Rich Miller at the Capitol Fax Blog is reporting that the House is expected to vote on Bradley's IDEA bill tonight.
Miller is still describing it "as the worst bill ever".
He noted that the Democrats substituted two members of Bradley's committee for the hearing tonight implying that they were needed for the vote. Still, it was 11-2 to move forward.
He also notes that the St. Clair Record is reporting that Mount Vernon's mayor Mary Jane Chesney is opposed to the bill.
Actually, Mount Vernon's chances are not very good. The city is already on record for not wanting any lodging establishments to go to the new exit which will be dominated by the new Good Samaritan hospital.
This is the first time I've heard of any effort to market the interchange for hospitality or retail, which they obviously should.
Also, Marion has a much better population base within an hour drive that likely to come to it, than Mount Vernon.
I'm not opposed to Mount Vernon, I'm a MVTHS grad and know Chesney well from when she taught at the high school. I support her efforts to turn around the city's declining population. What used to be the region's second largest community, is now the third, according to census estimates. The Hub has simply surpassed the King City this decade.
As to the legislation, State Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, has requested 10 various staff notes to be filed on the Bradley bill. These are impact statements of what the bill will do to certain areas such as the state's fiscal situation, state mandates, balanced budget, corrections, home rule, housing affordability, judicial impact, land conveyance appraisal, pensions and state debt.
I'm not sure what the rules are for these. There's a few that seem legitimate and actually deal with the bill. Others seem more like a parliamentary delaying tactics.
So far the Correctional Note and Land Conveyance Note have been filed.
Miller is still describing it "as the worst bill ever".
He noted that the Democrats substituted two members of Bradley's committee for the hearing tonight implying that they were needed for the vote. Still, it was 11-2 to move forward.
He also notes that the St. Clair Record is reporting that Mount Vernon's mayor Mary Jane Chesney is opposed to the bill.
“We have a new interchange and are in the process of building infrastructure on approximately 600 acres around the interchange to attract businesses to the area,” she wrote on May 6.
“What are our chances of attracting these businesses when only 40 miles down the interstate lies Marion with this proposed added development tool?
Actually, Mount Vernon's chances are not very good. The city is already on record for not wanting any lodging establishments to go to the new exit which will be dominated by the new Good Samaritan hospital.
This is the first time I've heard of any effort to market the interchange for hospitality or retail, which they obviously should.
Also, Marion has a much better population base within an hour drive that likely to come to it, than Mount Vernon.
I'm not opposed to Mount Vernon, I'm a MVTHS grad and know Chesney well from when she taught at the high school. I support her efforts to turn around the city's declining population. What used to be the region's second largest community, is now the third, according to census estimates. The Hub has simply surpassed the King City this decade.
As to the legislation, State Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, has requested 10 various staff notes to be filed on the Bradley bill. These are impact statements of what the bill will do to certain areas such as the state's fiscal situation, state mandates, balanced budget, corrections, home rule, housing affordability, judicial impact, land conveyance appraisal, pensions and state debt.
I'm not sure what the rules are for these. There's a few that seem legitimate and actually deal with the bill. Others seem more like a parliamentary delaying tactics.
So far the Correctional Note and Land Conveyance Note have been filed.
House Committee Approves IDEA Bill
The House Revenue and Finance Committee voted 11-2 to recommend to the full House of Representatives state Rep. John Bradley's IDEA bill (SB 2093) for Marion and Southern Illinois.
The next step is the House of Representatives which could come later tonight or tomorrow morning.
The next step is the House of Representatives which could come later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Hearing Begins on IDEA Bill
The House Revenue and Finance Committee has presumably begun their 5:30 p.m. hearing. The IDEA bill for Marion is the third one on the agenda.
As to the changes in Bradley's second version of the bill filed earlier (House Floor Amendment #4, they don't seem to be major, or at least directly affect the Marion plan.
The new amendment appears to be the same as to language for the Marion project. There's a new Section 63 (p. 74) of the latest amendment which amends part of the New Markets Development Program Act increasing the level of tax credits to $20 million from $10 million.
Then, Section 64 of the new amendment appears to be the Section 65 of the old one. Both expand the jurisdiction of the Auditor General to cover the various funds created with this piece of legislation.
As to the changes in Bradley's second version of the bill filed earlier (House Floor Amendment #4, they don't seem to be major, or at least directly affect the Marion plan.
The new amendment appears to be the same as to language for the Marion project. There's a new Section 63 (p. 74) of the latest amendment which amends part of the New Markets Development Program Act increasing the level of tax credits to $20 million from $10 million.
Then, Section 64 of the new amendment appears to be the Section 65 of the old one. Both expand the jurisdiction of the Auditor General to cover the various funds created with this piece of legislation.
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