Hearing Wednesday on NASCAR Track Proposal

Salem-News.com

SEATTLE – AP - Wednesday could be a turning point for the NASCAR race track proposed near Bremerton.

State lawmakers led by Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen are holding a hearing in Seattle to hear from supporters and critics.

The developer, Florida-based International Speedway, wants the state to pay almost half of the cost of the 345 million dollar speedway.

The developer says the state would gain the money back in new sales taxes the track is expected to generate. The idea went nowhere in the last session of the Legislature.

A spokesman for Owen, Brian Dirks, calls today's meeting crucial.

The state Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations is made up of six senators and six representatives.

It will hear from representatives of International Speedway, local government leaders and opponents, including the Coalition for Healthy Economic Choices for Kitsap, or CHECK.

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