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For Release 3:00 p.m. PST
Dec. 18, 1998
Paul G. Allen Contributes $10 Million to Youth Athletic Fields
In Washington State
Stadium Legislation Benefits Youth Statewide Through Administration of New Grants
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Dec. 18, 1998 - Representatives for Seattle Seahawks owner Paul G. Allen joined Governor Gary Locke, Washington State Treasurer Mike Murphy and Public Stadium Authority Chairwoman Lorraine Hine today to present the State of Washington with a check for $10 million. The contribution from Allen will support grants for acquiring, developing, equipping, maintaining and improving youth or community athletic facilities. As the private partner in the development of the new football and soccer stadium and exhibition center, Allen is contributing the $10 million in addition to his $130 million commitment to funding the new facility as part of the legislation of Referendum 48, which was approved by a statewide vote in June 1997.
"Paul Allen?s donation to the new grant program will allow the state to help local governments and citizen groups working to develop and improve athletic fields and facilities throughout the state," Locke said. "Children and families will be the big winners of this new program."
The new grant program is being administered by the Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation (IAC), a state agency that provides recreation, parks and conservation grants and services. An advisory council to the IAC, which was appointed in August, will make recommendations to the IAC on Referendum 48 grant fund uses. Referendum 48 divides the athletic facilities grant funds into thirds: one-third for new development, one-third for renovation and one-third for maintenance.
"Paul Allen has a long-standing commitment to supporting opportunities for youth in the Pacific Northwest," said Bert Kolde, vice chairman of the Seattle Seahawks. "We are particularly pleased that through the stadium legislation, additional resources will be made available for the benefit of statewide youth, who may never come to the stadium or exhibition center, yet will have new athletic and community resources made available to them."
Lorraine Hine, chairwoman of the statewide Public Stadium Authority Board, expressed her enthusiasm for this new program that was made possible by the passage of Referendum 48. "Citizens across the state have an opportunity to benefit from this $10 million infusion in youth athletic facilities. The PSA Board wants to thank Paul Allen for this significant financial contribution to improving athletic facilities throughout Washington. This was an important public benefit that excited voters when they approved Referendum 48."
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