Feb. 19 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears stepped forward with plans for an Indiana-based new stadium, with the amended Indiana Senate Bill 27 passing 24-0 out of committee.
Lawmakers from the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana Senate Bill 27, which will create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. That body would have the power to issue bonds, acquire land and finance construction for the site, which is proposed in the area of Wolf Lake, in Hammond, Ind., near the Indiana-Illinois state line.
The bill, which passed through Indiana Senate on Jan. 28 with a vote of 46-2, is now set to move to the Indiana House of Representatives for a second reading.
"The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date," the Bears said in a statement. "We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Ind.
"We appreciate the leadership shown by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen. Ryan Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing the critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the glove. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together."
