Barrett Reiterates Support For Walker’s Bucks Arena Plan, Praises Fitzgerald’s Plan As Well

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett reiterated his support for Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to borrow $220 million in private funds for a new basketball arena in Milwaukee, while also praising a smaller financing plan from State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald on Thursday.

Fitzgerald wants a state lands board to lend the project $150 million. Barrett said the plan is worth consideration.

“I think it will save the taxpayers of the state of Wisconsin — which includes the taxpayers in the city of Milwaukee — a considerable amount of money. So I think that was a very solid development,” said Barrett.

Barrett said his key question is how much the city and county of Milwaukee would have to put up for the arena. The two local units of government have been talking about a joint $50 million contribution.

Current and past owners of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team are promising to pay $250 million.