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Published - Tuesday, April 22, 2008

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UW-L stadium plans move forward


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Construction will start in June on the initial phase of the Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex after the main fundraising group behind the project guaranteed Monday it will cover all costs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse officials said.

The executive committee of the UW-L Foundation Board approved a written agreement Monday that if any Phase I construction money does not come through as pledged, the foundation will come up with the funds.
That guarantee helps, said UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow, but it also makes an April 29 student vote on shifting funding for the stadium “a critical factor to getting us where we need to be.”

The student referendum, if approved, would reallocate $750,000 that had been earmarked for a strength training center in Phase II to Phase I general construction. It would change part of what UW-L students passed in a February 2006 referendum that pledged $2.5 million in student fees to the project.

If students vote no on the measure, the UW-L foundation would have to come up with the $750,000, said Mike Desmond, UW-L development officer.

“That is why we needed the guarantee, because that was a risk that we, as a university, were reluctant to take,” said Gow.

The foundation was forced to turn back to the students and community last week after Phase I bids came in $2.3 million higher than what had been projected. The group managed to raise another $2.5 million in seven days, but that total included the reallocated student funding and other pledges.

Stadium construction must start in June to be completed in time to host the WIAA State Track and Field Championships in 2009.

The guarantee states if the foundation is unable to collect all funds pledged toward the $16.6 million Phase I, which includes $400,000 for a couple of alternate projects, it will need to make up the difference.

In addition, if the university and foundation agree to start Phase II projects, the guarantee will extend to those as well.

UW-L officials have given the Wisconsin Division of State Facilities permission to award project contracts to the lowest bidders, said Bob Hetzel, UW-L vice chancellor for administration and finance.

In the meantime, the foundation will continue to raise money for Phase II, said Desmond.

The foundation has a verbal commitment with WIAA officials that they will continue to raise money for bleachers on the east side of the stadium. The group’s executive committee Monday also approved a written commitment with students to continue fundraising for the strength training facility.

KJ Lang can be reached at (608) 791-8226 or klang@lacrossetribune.com.
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correctanswer wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:22 PM:

" Mr. Supporter- For some this is about told one thing and then adding another on the 11th hour and hitting taxpayers up for money. I really hope that you are able to process this point. Like being told that we need to hurry and "fast track" Riverside Center's second building for the impending growth of LHI, and the building fills up with pre-existing tenants and commerce from town. If you need another example you may look at the Kapanke and his team. He approached the Council and was awarded a low interest loan to fiance bathrooms. They received a little more time from the State, and now somebody has unilaterally decided to spend that Council approved and mentioned bathroom project to lighting? Some of us paying attention are tired of this crap! You could also use the terms 'manipulation', or 'deceiving'. "

stadium supporter wrote on Apr 23, 2008 3:57 PM:

" If "just the facts" is correct that the local communities have pledged $1.0 million to be generated from hotel room taxes, that means that $15 million is coming from donors, or 90% of the total amount. Does it not seem logical to anyone that leveraging $1.0 million in taxes to be paid by hotel patrons (not necessarily residents) to get $15 million more is a smart thing. Then, add the fact that the communities and businesses around La Crosse will benefit from events held at the stadium for years to come, and it makes only more sense. To me, this project has never been about the haves and have nots as some might suggest. Rather, it has always been about doing something of value for the community. "

correctanswer wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Gunny- Your response does little to address the order of events. Initially we were told this project wold be financed by donations. Then they cut us once again for a room tax that was very much needed to go in our taxpayer coffers, not a stadium. This project has evolved amamzingly and is only rivaled by Riverside Center. Another one of your revered individuals reflected in your posts. Problem is they both did not adhere to there initial agreements, directions, or promises. Something you apparently do not want to address or even discuss. The answer is not contributing our tax money on a fast track basis without proper representation. "

Gunny wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 PM:

" It is hard to believe that no matter what new is built in town the same bunch seem to come out and complain. It would seem that you people would only be happy if all the old buildings were left up and the money for new ones was given to you. Some people are just to greedy to even listen too. I bet all of you volunteered to help so it would be done the way you felt was right. Odds are all you have done is bitch. If you didn't help, shut up.
If you aren't part of the answer your part of the problem. "

joeemt wrote on Apr 22, 2008 9:35 PM:

" just comparing the mind sets between the 2 entities. that was how the school board justified the new school. new school requires less upkeep. so it stands to reason that a new stadium would require less upkeep than the old one. are you following now? It was in answer to a previous blog "

just the facts wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Senior advocate, if you are indeed a taxpaying senior in LaCrosse city or county, I cant believe the ignorance! Between the city and county they have pledged a million dollars of our tax money. Please inform your senior buddies! "

correctanswer wrote on Apr 22, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Posters! You need to remember that the Foundation has a history of these shenanigans. When they built their building on campus they took money that was gifted for 'other reasons' by families and those passing away. They sepnt $1.20 and had $1.00. This was investigated by the Tribune, and the person that used to have Desmond's job was relieved. Didn't learn much from that, did they? "

Yellow media watch wrote on Apr 22, 2008 3:23 PM:

" I have raised millions for non-profits, as a
fundraiser and a manager, not here though,
Lacrosse doesn't play by the rules and use
professionals.
These people are amateurs, schmoozers, corrupt
promise making political hacks, and arm twisters that were born on third base.
They won't ever have me over to diner(I'm not
a member of their high brow nostrils in the air
club)lest they have to count the spoons when I
leave.
"

antieverything wrote on Apr 22, 2008 2:10 PM:

" What a mess. And no accountability. Fan of the stadium or not you really have to examine how this got to this stage without the proper funding. I think Mr Gow needs to sit Mr Desmond down for a long talk about his future. I am guessing a no vote will take place and the stadium will not be ready in time for the state track meet.
Verbal Commitment for bleacher fundraising?Geeesh. I started out in favor of this program but man I have changed my mind. "

RanDomino wrote on Apr 22, 2008 1:15 PM:

" There's nothing great about this. People like dukeboy are mindless animals, or infants, who take what they want and expect everything to go their way. This stadium is a poorly thought-out slow-rolling disaster.

There will be no Phase II- the only reason for this stadium is so that the football-loving alumni can get off on a rush of pride as they try to stay in college forever, and local fatcat businessmen who think they have noblesse oblige but act only for themselves make money off a stupid track meet! What do they care about Phase II? Once they get everything they want in Phase I, the drive to complete the project will evaporate.

Students, do not subsidize others' excess! Do not trust these people! "

davidinlse wrote on Apr 22, 2008 12:36 PM:

" RE: joeemt... Please explain what the lacrosse school board has to do with the UWL stadium?
"

joeemt wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 AM:

" ask the La Crosse school board. Anew facility will cost less to maintain than an old one. "

correctanswer wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:09 AM:

" What do you think of the 'Peoples Box' Dukeboy? There is nothing that draws you and a few others out on this site like UWL funding and a myriad of spending ventures that are lopsidedly self serving for those encompassed in the UWL Sytem one way or another. "

correctanswer wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:04 AM:

" The vast majority of the area citizens do not care or are angry about the order of events with this project. It is the connected that really believes the working class does not get 'it'. A slow evolving process when done is not what was originally proposed, purposely! This was a done deal from inception. There is a movement to take one the private boxes that will most surely be built. Have interested 'contributing' government body taxpayers and students send in a postcard and from that fishbowl each game a name will be drawn. So that that person with his 'limited' relatives or friends may attend a game and enjoy the box to which they have contributed. Just like a wealthy person. Already this movement has procured donated snacks, deli trays, and non-alcohol refreshments. "

Senior Advocate wrote on Apr 22, 2008 9:15 AM:

" People are free to spend their own money as they see fit. If they wish to build a staduim that is their business. However, where is the money coming to maintain the facility? How much more will this facility cost to maintain and staff over the old one? many other questions like this are not brought to light. These are the critical questions that need to be discussed by the public if any and I mean any public tax money from any source , state, federal or local will be used. "

dukeboy wrote on Apr 22, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Thankyou to the donors and all the individuals who assisted in raising the funds. The stadium and Veterans Memorial will be another great addition to the LaCrosse area. To raise this amount of money is a very difficult job, but shows what determination and collaborative work can do. It is also great to see the donors come forth and sacrifice to make this project a reality. Another "gold star" for the State of Wisconsin and the LaCrosse area. "

Mack wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:57 AM:

" No surprise here. Sports never suffer. People get very emotional over sports. "

philly wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:51 AM:

" Great news. I'm looking forward to the new stadium and glad to see La Crosse retain the State Track Championships. "

Donatello wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:41 PM:

" These people will stop at nothing to force this thing
through (with other peoples money).
UWL's version of a hail Mary pass, with a rent-to-own
football and no one there to catch it.
How do you people look yourself in the mirror every morning?
That student fund is for students, not tourism and Elites. "


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