Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Senate ready to give Detroit City Council another chance at Cobo

Karen Bouffard / The Detroit News

Lansing -- Detroit City Council would get another chance to keep the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall beyond 2010 under a package of bills expected to be introduced in the state Senate today.
The three-bill package would give City Council the first pass at approving a deal identical to the one that they rejected earlier this year. If it fails again, Oakland County would be able to direct tobacco revenue to its building authority, which potential sites could apply for to expand their facilities to host the auto show. The show brings as much as $600 million in business to the state.
Senate spokesman Matt Marsden said the bills are ready to be introduced, and that could happen as early as this morning.
It's uncertain whether the council would approve the plan, if given another chance. One additional vote would be needed in addition to a yes vote from former interim Mayor Kenneth Cockrel, who is back as president of the Detroit City Council.
The Senate commerce and tourism committee is expected to hear testimony on the plan Wednesday, and it could possibly move out of committee as early as Thursday.
kbouffard@detnews.com [[517) 371-3660


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