"This is part of investing in Detroits future," said

LANSING, Mich. -- A state board on Wednesday unanimously gave the go-ahead for a new Red Wings hockey arena in downtown Detroit to be paid for in part with $284 million in tax dollars even as the broke city works through bankruptcy proceedings. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and others defended against criticism that the $650 million project should be financed entirely with private money because the city currently cant provide basic services and retirees are facing cuts in their pensions. The 18,000-seat arena is designed to be a catalyst for more development and to link downtown and midtown, turning a blighted area into a business, residential and entertainment district. "This is part of investing in Detroits future," said Snyder, a Republican who blessed a state-appointed emergency managers request to take the city into bankruptcy last week. "Thats the message we need to get across. ... As we stabilize the city governments finances, as we address those issues and improve services, Detroit moves from a place where people might have had a negative impression -- although there are great things already going on -- to being a place that will be recognized across the world as a place of great value and a place to invest." The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the Detroit Downtown Development Authoritys request to use economic development taxes for the project. The board also took a preliminary step toward issuing $450 million in bonds to build the arena, to be paid off in no more than 30 years by the Red Wings owner and the city. Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has long wanted a replacement for the 32-year-old Joe Louis Arena located a few miles away. The new complex would be close to the Lions Ford Field and Tigers Comerica Park near Interstate 75 and Woodward Avenue. Under the plan, the authority would own the arena and event centre complex. The Red Wings owner would have exclusive rights to use, manage and operate it, and hold naming rights. No new taxes or funds from the cash-strapped city would be needed. The state Legislature last year approved a bill to help finance the project by allowing the use of tax dollars collected by the downtown development authority. Senate Democratic leader Gretchen Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat, opposed the measure as a drain on funding for Detroits public schools. "Now that the citys actually in bankruptcy those concerns are even more justified at this point," spokesman Bob McCann said Wednesday. "Were all supportive of new development in Detroit. But its difficult to tell the residents of the city that this is more important than public safety or street lights." Snyder argued the project will increase the citys tax base in the long run and create jobs. Fifty-six per cent of the overall project cost would be private and 44 per cent public, though about 60 per cent of the actual $450 million arena cost would come from tax revenues. Another $200 million --all but $23 million of it private -- is planned for projects nearby that could include rehabbing existing buildings and vacant lots for a hotel, stores, parking deck and residential units. Olympia Development, owned by Ilitch and his wife, said the funding split for comparable major sports complexes in other cities in the past decade has averaged 75 per cent public and 25 per cent private. Construction of the arena is anticipated to be done by 2017. Its also expected to host other entertainment events. No design has been made public. Representatives for Olympia Development said the project will create 400 more permanent jobs and 5,500 construction jobs. At least half the construction jobs must go to city residents. Other approvals are needed by local agencies. "There is some additional due diligence that has to happen as a result of the Detroit bankruptcy," said Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. "But we have not identified anything that would signal pulling back from the project. We are motivated to continue moving forward and we trust that the project will be successful." Erik Gustafsson Jersey . LOUIS -- Roman Polak was celebrating even before Alexander Steen scored the winning goal in Saturdays 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Glenn Hall Jersey . -- The goal posts lying flat on the field, Arizonas fans lingered on the field, congregating around the locker room entrance nearly 30 minutes after rushing out of the stands. http://www.cheapblackhawkschinajerseys.com/chris-chelios-jersey/ . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. Discount Blackhawks Jerseys . Louis Blues absence from top spot in the TSN. Keith Magnuson Jersey . The 19-year-old Olsen played 34 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season. In that time, hes recorded 17 goals and 17 assists with 36 penalty minutes. The UConn Huskies are still the unanimous top choice in The Associated Press womens basketball poll after having a week off for exams.UConn received all 33 first-place votes from a national media panel Monday for the second consecutive week. The Huskies face No. 12 Ohio State on Monday night to try to extend their 84-game winning streak.With most teams on break for exams, there wasnt much movement at the top of the poll. Notre Dame, Baylor, Maryland and Mississipppi State followed UConn.ddddddddddddSouth Carolina, Florida State and Louisville were next with Washington moving up two spots to No. 9. UCLA fell one place to 10th after losing to the Gamecocks on Sunday.Kansas State and Oregon State entered at No. 24 and 25 while DePaul and Oregon fell out. Its the Wildcats first ranking since 2012. ' ' '