July 5, 2009
- Portland, Oregon
Cougs hiss at Huskies' stadium renovation plan
By Bryan Johnson
SEATTLE -- The University of Washington says it must spend millions to make Husky Stadium safe. It's asking for $150 million in tax money for the job, but some Cougars from Washington State University say it's unfair to give tax money to the dogs.
The Huskies are trying to convince the state that their monument to football is unsafe. They say the concrete relic that needs fixing right now. But the Husky drive is facing some angry cats of the Cougar variety. Some cross state rivals say no way; the state can't afford this. "Sure, they've got lots of crumbling portions of the stadium. But they are talking about $300 million dollars and that buys a lot of concrete," said Mike Bernard, a Cougar fan. The facilities manager for Husky Stadium says the stadium is safe...sort of. There are cracks in the concrete in the lowest level. It's unreinforced concrete. It's settling, which is somewhat unsettling. "We saw probably a 6 foot by 15 foot section drop 15 feet, just drop," said Chip Lydum. Fortunately the collapse happened during the off season a little less than two years ago. There's another problem -- the electric system serving the press box and scouting area. "We believe it is safe, but I do worry. It's past its shelf life," Lydum said. Another problem -- one area, built in the 50's, uses ceiling tile with asbestos. And if there is a problem, there's only one elevator serving one side of the stadium. Opponents say OK, but look at what the UW wants to spend -- $300 million. "If they spend $300 million on that stadium, it would be the most expensive college football stadium in the country," Bernard said. Husky supporters say fans will come up with $150 million, and the remaining $150 million from the state will solve a safety crisis. And they point to a big benefit. "Right now this project can be a work project. There will be almost $60 million in living wage jobs for contractors to come in here and fix this stadium at a time when we are going to need some work," John Buller, UW consultant and proponent. That argument doesn't bring a purr from a Cougar: "Our goal really is not a Cougar-Husky rivalry; our goal is to figure out the best way to spend the people's tax dollars," said Glenn Ousterhout, a WSU graduate. The UW plan is to use the rental car, restaurant and hotel taxes that helped build Safeco and Qwest Fields. It's a King County-only tax, and if the Legislature approves, that money could be used on Husky Stadium. But with a $5 billion budget deficit, getting any spending plan through the Legislature could be rough. |
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