Local News

Flaherty: Steelers Could Owe Money To Taxpayers

More Details: News Release From Mark Flaherty

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― The Allegheny County Controller says the county may look for money back if there is a substantial change in the Steelers' ownership.

At issue is the $281 million that taxpayers paid for the construction of Heinz Field.

In a letter to both the Rooney and the McGinley family, County Controller Mark Flaherty said both the state and county could seek reimbursement of public monies used for construction of Heinz Field.

In 1999, then-Public Auditorium Authority Director Steve Leeper said the team's ability to retain naming rights revenue was off set by bigger maintenance costs for the team and lower maintenance costs for taxpayers.

But now, current Allegheny County Controller Mark Flaherty believes there is other language in the lease of agreement regarding a repayment to taxpayers if the Steelers change hands.

"As a financial watchdog for the county, I will not permit a material ownership for this regional asset to occur without an equitable repayment of the funds contributed by taxpayers or [will] require a new agreement with the new owners group that the team must remain in Pittsburgh for the next 75 years."

Now, John McGinley, who also owns a share of the team, is quoted as saying that he would be surprised if there were a requirement of reconstruction costs.

More Details: News Release From Mark Flaherty

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