09-04-2025
State funding for Browns dome moves forward: I-Team
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found an Ohio House committee just approved a financial package that includes state money to help the Cleveland Browns build a dome.
The measure is expected to be taken up by the full House of Representatives on Wednesday.
It's not a final decision, but a step forward.
The Browns have asked for state help building a dome in Brook Park.
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They hope for $600 million from the state through bonds. The Browns promise to pay it back with profits from the dome and surrounding development.
Tuesday, that came up along with other budget matters before the Ohio House of Representatives Finance Committee. The committee voted to approve the overall spending plan.
District 31 State Rep. Bill Roemer sits on that committee, and he expects the dome to have a big impact.
'I was originally opposed until I looked at the numbers. Over the period of the project, it appears that the state will recognize an additional $1.2 billion in tax revenue,' he said.
Roemer adds that the Browns have promised to set aside money upfront to cover any shortcomings that might come up in paying back the state.
'Even if the projections are wildly wrong, the state is still protected. This is going to generate additional tax revenue,' the representative said.
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If the measure gets approved by the House, it then must be approved by the Senate.
Meanwhile, one senator said he will introduce a bill to block funding for any teams with a losing record such as the Browns.
Behind it all, the city of Cleveland is fighting the Browns in court to stop the team from moving out of the current stadium on the lakefront.
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