Lincoln no longer part of Qwest Center bill

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By NANCY HICKS / Lincoln Journal Star

Lincoln was briefly part of what is often called the Qwest Center bill, but only for a week.

Senators removed language from the bill on Wednesday that would have allowed Lincoln to use  a special funding mechanism for the city’s future convention center and arena.

In face of criticism from several senators and a promised filibuster by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, author of the amendment, agreed to eliminate the language that would have benefited Lincoln.

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“I’m going to hold my nose. I’m going to swallow hard, and I’m going to go along with this,” said Avery as he agreed to remove the language from the bill (LB551).

But Avery is hopeful that Lincoln can use the funding mechanism for at least part of the project. And he said he will be back next year with a measure giving Lincoln additional help with its convention center and arena.

Senators gave second-round approval to the narrowed measure that provides extra state help to Omaha’s Qwest Center. The bill would give Omaha 70 percent of the state sales taxes collected by retailers doing business at the convention center arena and adjoining Hilton Omaha hotel, as well as off-site ticket sales.

The measure is expected to give Omaha about $1.4 million more each year to pay off construction bonds for the convention center and arena. The remaining sales tax revenue will go into a fund to help other Nebraska communities build or refurbish cultural attractions and other facilities.

The measure requires Omaha to use 10 percent of its share on projects showcasing the historical aspects of very high poverty areas in the city.

Bruce Bohrer, executive vice president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, had previously estimated the bill would allow Lincoln to collect $1.2 million in sales tax revenue annually.

Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood who sponsored the bill, said that although the Qwest Center is an Omaha facility it is a “gem for all Nebraskans.” People from across the state go to the center for performances and events, he said.

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.