Lexington, KY - Governor Steve Beshear said Monday he can't imagine the state refusing funds in support of a downtown revitalization project that includes a remodeling of Rupp Arena. But he said the plans might not be far enough along to commit money now.
Business Lexington
"What is happening right now is that plans are still being formulated and things are still sort of in the talking stage here in Lexington and it is a little difficult at this point for us at the state to make any commitments of any particular amounts of money to do anything because I'm not sure the ideas have gelled enough yet for us to be able to do that," Beshear told on Monday.
In one week the governor will roll out his proposed budget to a joint session of the legislature stating his priorities for the state budget that will run from July 1st to June 30, 2014.
"Long term, the state will be there partnering with the city to move things forward. But it will just be a matter of timing and how fast really they kind of get their act together here in Lexington," Beshear said when asked about a $20 million request for the downtown project that would marry Lexington's downtown with the Distillery District using a redesign of Rupp as its lynchpin to create and arts and entertainment district around the arena.
"We are working with Governor Beshear's office as well as legislative leadership in hopes of being included in the upcoming two-year budget," Mayor Jim Gray said in a statement released from his office.
Last month UK President Eli Capilouto stated he didn't want funding that might otherwise go to core missions of the university to be directed to Rupp.
"The city has assets that are underused and long-in-the-tooth. The Rupp Arena, Arts and Entertainment District plan will revitalize downtown Lexington, and by extension, enhance the UK community. In a sense, we are chasing the same themes, the same goals," Gray's statement read.
"People today choose where they want to go to school and where they want to live and work. It's very competitive. So it's all about building a quality of life that's exciting and compelling, for those who want to come to school here and to live here. Both projects are all about lifting us up by investing in our quality of life brands, the UK education brand and the Lexington brand."
When Louisville requested money for the planning and construction of what is the Yum Center on the downtown's riverfront, the University of Louisville saw a reduction in its allocation in subsequent budgets after the arena project there was allocated $75 million by the state.
"He (Capilouto) has legitimate concern because of the history you look back on," Beshear said. "I want to work to make sure the university can move ahead with what it needs on campus and we can also find a way to move ahead with downtown development."
After the governor releases his proposed budget the legislature will eventually pass the final state budget for the biennium.