Section 5-1-17-0.3 - General assembly findings The general assembly finds the following:
(1) Marion, Boone, Johnson, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Morgan, and Shelby counties, and certain municipalities located in those counties, face unique and distinct challenges and opportunities related to the economic development issues associated with the construction and maintenance of a world-class convention center and stadium facility in Indianapolis.(2) A unique approach is required to ensure that these counties have sufficient revenue sources to allow them to meet these challenges and opportunities.(3) The powers and responsibilities provided to these counties and to the Indiana stadium and convention building authority created by this chapter are appropriate and necessary to carry out the public purposes of encouraging and fostering economic development in central Indiana and constructing a world-class convention center and stadium facility in Indianapolis.(4) The retention of a National Football League franchised professional football team in Indianapolis poses unique challenges due to the need for development of a world class football stadium and related infrastructure that would not be needed apart from the needs related to the retention of a National Football League franchised professional football team in Indianapolis.(5) The retention of a National Football League franchised professional football team in Indianapolis is critical to successful economic development in Indianapolis and is a public purpose.(6) Encouragement of economic development in Indianapolis will:(A) generate significant economic activity, a substantial portion of which results from persons residing outside Indiana, which may attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to remain or expand in Indianapolis;(B) promote the consolidated city to residents outside Indiana, which may attract residents outside Indiana and new businesses to relocate to the Indianapolis area;(C) protect and increase state and local tax revenues; and(D) encourage overall economic growth in Indianapolis and in Indiana.(7) Indianapolis faces unique challenges in the development of infrastructure and other facilities necessary to promote economic development as a result of its need to rely on sources of revenue other than property taxes, due to the large number of tax exempt properties located in Indianapolis because Indianapolis is the seat of government, the home to multiple institutions of higher education, and the site of numerous state and regional nonprofit corporations.(8) Economic development benefits the health and welfare of the people of Indiana, is a public use and purpose for which public money may be spent, and is of public utility and benefit.Added by P.L. 220-2011, SEC. 58, eff. 7/1/2011.