"It's bigger than the team:" Talks over financing a new arena generate creative ideas

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says there are a number of options on the table when it comes to finding a way to afford a new downtown arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.

"It's bigger than the team, it's bigger than the arena, it's about downtown Milwaukee and one of the biggest opportunities for development we've had in decades and we should be acting that way," said Abele.

Abele was reacting to the offers made this week by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Fitzgerald suggests the state provide $150 million -- that money would come from the state's board of public lands. That way, any interest paid on the loan would go to Wisconsin Public School Libraries.

"I think Senator Fitzgerald's idea is a good one, it's creative," said Abele.

While Mayor Barrett also praised the idea, he said on Thursday that he prefers Gov. Scott Walker's plan -- which calls for a larger state contribution at $220 million. Barrett adds the city can provide $25 million in the form of street and sewer work -- and the parking garage at 4th and Highland.

"What I think we're going to see over the next couple of weeks is, we'll see a lot of jockeying back and forth. But what I've attempted to do is allow the governor's staff as well as the legislative leaders (to see) what limitations the city faces," said Barrett.

Abele says the county is looking at several options that involve providing the vacant Park East land north of the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Using Fitzgerald's idea, the state's $150 million contribution would add to the $250 million already pledged by the current Bucks owners and former owner Senator Herb Kohl. With $50 million from the city and county, the pot would be $50 million short of the projected $500 million cost.

Abele says it's most important to remember talks are ongoing -- and that everyone wants the same solution.