Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal is pushing to release documents tied to a deal surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays $2.3 billion ballpark. The proposed ballpark at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus carries a $2.3 billion price tag. The Rays’ new ownership group, led by Patrick Zalupski, has proposed paying 50% of the total cost. UHHHHH, who’s paying the other half??
Wostal says this could become the single largest taxpayer-burdened project in Hillsborough County history. “This would only delay or cancel infrastructure projects,” Wostal said. “Making them more expensive and out of reach for us, increasing the affordability crisis.” Wostal also argues that taxpayers deserve to understand how their money could be spent before any agreement is finalized.
Supporters say this massive project could bring economic growth and nearly 14,000 jobs. Hillsborough County Commissioners could vote on the stadium as early as April 15th.