McDermott: Court ruling keeps arena proposal moving forward

February 22, 2013

Summary

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, issued this statement after today’s King County Court ruling rejecting the lawsuit brought by longshore workers trying to stop construction of a new basketball and hockey arena:

“The County and City took great care to ensure the arena agreements complied with SEPA requirements. The legislation makes it very clear that the City and County will not decide whether to proceed with the Arena project until a full environmental review has been completed.

“I’m pleased the Court is satisfied with our efforts.

“There are still many steps left to be completed before we decide whether to finalize the deal and before the arena might be built. An economic impact analysis is underway now and the environmental review must be completed to provide the information necessary for us to make decisions about the Arena proposal.

“I’m glad the judge removed this hurdle, letting us continue our consideration of this exciting opportunity for the SuperSonics’ return.”