PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at luring a Major League Baseball team to Portland’s South waterfront, sending it to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk.
Members of both parties voted 46-6 to pass Senate Bill 110 from the House floor Tuesday. The goal of the measure is to finance an $800 million bond project for the construction of the stadium in Zidell Yards should the MLB expand to Portland.
It would be repaid through a “Jock Tax” on athletes and staff of the team, as well as visiting teams.
“This bill is bound to be a hit,” said Rep. Dacia Grayber, whose district includes the proposed stadium site.
Portland city leaders and supporters of the idea say an MLB team in Portland “could be exactly what” the city needs to boost economic development by billions of dollars.
MORE: Portland takes its case for Major League Baseball to Oregon lawmakers
Some Republicans voiced skepticism on Tuesday that the city is in a position to curate a safe experience for Portlanders and visitors but ultimately voted in favor of the bill.
“There’s been no discussion about transportation, no discussion about law enforcement, all the things that make people want to visit downtown Portland,” said Rep. Jeffrey Helfrich. “What I don’t want to see is the city of Portland to come back asking for more money from us to help fund this project.”
The MLB has not yet chosen where it will add two new franchises.
According to MLB.com, Commissioner Rob Manfred hopes to select the cities before his 2029 retirement.
