Basketball now in WA lawmakers' court

With the Sonics moving to Oklahoma City and the clock ticking on the deadline to bring another NBA franchise to Seattle, the ball is in state lawmakers' court.

Part of Wednesday's KeyArena lawsuit settlement gives the city one year to come up with a plan to renovate the arena at the Seattle Center.

Lawmakers have rejected previous proposals to help fund a renovation by tapping the King County car rental and restaurant taxes that are now paying off Safeco Field debt.

State Senator Margarita Prentice of Renton told KIRO Radio the revenue stream is there and could have been offered to former Sonics owner Howard Schultz.

House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler of Hoquiam says it appears the Legislature is being asked for $75 million, with another $75 million coming from the city and $150 from potential local team buyers.

She told KIRO it will be difficult for lawmakers to approve money for a sports arena at the same time they likely will have to cut other spending plans.

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Information from: KIRO-AM, http://www.kiro710.com/