Rendell: $50 million from state for soccer

Nearly a year ago, Gov. Rendell wrote to a leader of the group that's trying to bring pro soccer to the Philadelphia region and outlined how he would provide more than $50 million to help build a stadium.

The "funding commitment letter" to James Nevels, one of the investors seeking an expansion team from Major League Soccer, is dated Feb. 27, 2007. It describes the various grants and low-interest loans that could be obtained from nine government sources.

So far, the letter has not been enough to persuade Major League Soccer to grant a team to the region. League officials say they've made no decision on which city will host the 16th team. St. Louis is believed to be favored over Philadelphia, with other cities interested.

The soccer document was among 18 similar letters released by the Governor's Office after a request by the Capitolwire news service. The governor sent the letters to companies and organizations, saying he would seek funding for their projects, conditional on action by the legislature or other state agencies.

Rendell has previously stated his support for building a $115 million stadium on the Chester waterfront. The local investors continue to talk with legislative leaders about securing aid from the state, which they say would be the final piece of funding.

"This letter simply puts in writing what the governor has said previously," said Chuck Ardo, Rendell's spokesman.

The purpose was to "outline the assistance the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is prepared to offer," Rendell wrote. "I am excited about the prospect of Major League Soccer expanding to Pennsylvania" and "even more excited about the proposed location."

Rendell's offer included:

$20 million in savings achieved through low-interest, long-term loans from the Pennsylvania Economic Development Funding Authority.

$15 million from the state capital budget, contingent upon approval by the legislature.

$10 million in a grant from the Delaware River Port Authority.

The remaining funds would come from a variety of smaller loan and grant programs.