Oakland whiffed on what may have been a key source of funding to help the city keep the A’s.
The city will not receive any funding from the Department of Transportation’s Mega grant program.
The team has agreed to fund the construction of a $12 billion waterfront development centered on a new stadium, but has sought public funds for the surrounding infrastructure.
- The city had applied for $182 million toward infrastructure improvements for roads, train tracks, and pedestrian walkways around the Howard Terminal area, where the A’s are looking to build.
- Oakland said it has been awarded $375 million in transportation grants and has applied for an additional $55 million in regional grants, $25 million from other federal sources, and $60 million from state grants.
- Oakland could also raise funds through a $150 million limited-obligation bond.
Sheng Thao, who was sworn in as Oakland mayor on Tuesday, has stated that she wants to strike a deal with the team that will grow the city’s revenue, “activate the Jack London Square area,” and protect residents from costs and pollution associated with the project.
Vegas Side Bet
The A’s continue to explore alternative options in Las Vegas.
Talks regarding Phil Ruffin’s Las Vegas Festival Grounds have dried up, according to Ruffin’s spokesperson.
That potentially leaves just the Tropicana site, owned by Bally’s. The team and Bally’s — which holds naming rights to 14 MLB teams’ regional sports networks — have been in negotiations on a $1 billion domed stadium.
