April 26, 2001

Jefferson City, Mo. - The University of Missouri received good news late Wednesday afternoon when the State House of Representatives voted in approval of a bonding issue to help finance a new basketball arena. The House entered into debate just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, and cast the deciding vote at roughly 6:15 p.m. The final tally was 84 for, 72 against.

The Bill, HRC-25, calls for $35 million to be appropriated through bonds that would go toward the building of a $75 million project. The arena will be located south of the Hearnes Center.

"We're obviously very pleased that the House saw the merits to this comprehensive project," said MU Director of Athletics Mike Alden. "We feel this arena will provide wide-ranging benefits not only to the University, but to the City of Columbia and the Mid-Missouri region, as well as the State of Missouri. We're hopeful that the good people of the Senate as well as Governor Holden will draw the same conclusions. While we're excited to get through this stage, we do know there is still some work to do," he said.

After moving through the House, the Senate will now deliberate on the measure. No specific date has been set as of this time.