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An additional $6 million to complete updating of the Avista Ballpark stadium
is being sought by Spokane Indians Baseball club and county officials.
A
group of five community-based ball clubs from around the state, including the
Spokane club, asked the Legislature for $25 million last year. Legislators liked
the idea, but only allocated $7 million $2 million of which was awarded to the
Spokane park.
According to Andy Billig, president of he Spokane Indians
Baseball Club, the group is going to go after the additional $18 million during
the 2007 legislative session.
Billig said that last year's allocation
has been used to begin work on the club's priority list of projects. He said that
concrete repair on the 50-year-old stadium's supports is going on now. That repair
also will include new seats. Still to be accomplished, however, are the replacement
of the outfield fence and renovation of the administration and maintenance buildings
and the concession stands.
In a report to county commissioners Tuesday,
Billig said that over 109 events were held in the stadium during the past year
less than half of them were Spokane Indian games.
"The rest were
amateur events," he said. He added that the Indians ball club in partnership
with the county has provided an economic boost to the county while providing a
place for amateur sports to compete.
"There's a lot of progress
yet to be made, but a lot to be proud of," Billig said. "Avista
Stadium is a good example of how public and private entities can work together
for the public good." Click
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By
CHARLIE PLUMB
