The University of Washington wants to renovate Husky Stadium. They estimate the cost to be roughly $300 million. Naturally, the school would like the state to kick in $150 million by extending the taxes the state legislature levied in King County for the construction of Safeco Field and Qwest Stadium.A contingent of Washington State alumni are doing what they can to derail it.
Athletic Director Scott Woodward and noted Huskies booster Ron Crockett, owner of Emerald Downs racetrack, told legislators that the stadium, built in 1920, needs substantial repairs for basic safety that shouldn't be the responsibility of private donors.The Washington State alum view see no reason that the state should fund the renovations which would only serve as a further advantage to the Washington football program in recruiting and marketing. This is when you know that there is a heated in-state rivalry. Everything is fair game.
But the unofficial group of WSU alumni, who have launched an e-mail campaign urging lawmakers to vote against the project, said UW should turn to its wealthy base of donors, not taxpayers, for the project, especially since the state is facing a deficit of at least $5 billion.
"We think that they have the capacity at the University of Washington to fund their own stadium," said Glenn Osterhout, a WSU alum who noted that WSU's Martin Stadium is also in the middle of a renovation, which has not received state money.
Washington State itself is taking no sides in this little battle since the WSU Athletic Director admitted that if UW succeeds in getting the money, the Cougars would consider a similar proposal. That seems to be the nature of these things -- whether it is partisan politics or rival schools. Spread the money to both sides, and everyone is happy.
