Home Plate Update June 2019 | Page 11

BALLPARK BRIEFS City Makes Final Public Contribution Toward Ballpark Construction Fire Department K9 Unit Completes Training The Arlington Fire Department’s K9 Unit recently completed a 7-week training course conducted by Auburn University as part of the City’s comprehensive public safety plan to protect residents and the millions of people who visit The American Dream City each year. Arlington’s explosive detection canines and their handlers honed their skills and participated in numerous exercises, including building sweeps and seeking mock explosives being carried by a person, as part of the renowned training offered by Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The Fire Department’s K9 Unit, which started in 2006, is a vital component of public safety plans for the opening of the high-profile Globe Life Field next March. City Reviewing Plans for The Loop at Johnson Creek The City of Arlington is currently reviewing plans for The Loop at Johnson Creek, a proposal from the Texas Live! developer to add a fountain, landscaping and other pedestrian amenities to complement the new Live! by Loews flagship hotel. The Cordish Companies’ proposed project calls to add lighting, a large number of trees and a plaza with pavers that creates a scenic outdoor overlook along the east side of Johnson Creek between Randol Mill Road and Cowboys Way. These amenities would tie in with the City’s existing concrete hike and bike trail that runs through both the Richard Greene and Robert Cluck linear parks. Construction on the first phase of the project could begin as soon as this summer. The City of Arlington made its final payment of the $500 million, voter-approved public contribution toward the $1.2 billion Globe Life Field construction in April. The City’s bonds will be repaid over 30 years with revenue generated by three existing venue taxes – a half-cent sales tax, a 2 percent hotel occupancy tax and a 5 percent vehicle rental tax, along with the $2 million a year in rent for the ballpark that will be paid by the Texas Rangers beginning in 2020. These venue taxes are also being used to pay down the City’s remaining debt on AT&T Stadium, home of the Cowboys. CITY FINANCING March 2018 $29,413,209.00 April 2018 $38,318,235.62 May 2018 $24,213,665.55 June 2018 $26,258,787.46 July 2018 $30,812,005.44 August 2018 $29,587,747.65 September 2018 $31,914,110.52 October 2018 $29,665,519.04 November 2018 $34,071,619.50 December 2018 $45,017,205.60 January 2019 $45,025,953.01 February 2019 $44,297,066.23 March 2019 $52,529,214.78 April 2019 $38,875,660.60 Total $500,000,000.00 11