Officials in Oklahoma is hoping to woo the Seattle Supersonics to relocate in Oklahoma City by offering tax incentives. One politician is hoping to advance plans for a light rail transit system by planting the idea with team officials.
"State Rep. Wallace Collins says the legislature's vote giving special tax incentives to the owners of an NBA franchise may indirectly help promote light rail in central Oklahoma."
"Collins, speaking to a Norman Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast Friday, said he was able to raise the issue of light rail with the owners of the Seattle SuperSonics. He said they seemed interested in promoting rail using existing lines and stations."
"The rebate would be about $4 million a year and $60 million over its 15-year life. Normally not a fan of what critics call, "corporate welfare," Collins defended his vote Thursday. He said it was a benefit for a narrow cause but the spinoffs down the line will help central Oklahoma."
"'It probably is corporate welfare,' he said. 'I think it would help Norman. I think it would help all of central Oklahoma.'"
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FULL STORY: NEW: Collins says Sonics incentive vote may help push light rail
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service