Concerns Raised Over Proposed Arena for Wizards and Capitals in Virginia

Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas and Congressman Don Beyer are expressing concerns about using taxpayer dollars to fund the construction of a new arena for the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards. Senator Lucas refuses to allocate state tax dollars for the project until toll relief and improvements for public schools in her district are addressed. The proposed $2.2 billion arena is expected to cost Virginia taxpayers over a billion dollars. Alexandria's Mayor Justin Wilson argues that the funding will come from money generated by the arena itself, alleviating concerns about diverting funds from public safety and education. Public hearings will be held to address residents' concerns and provide more details about the deal.