Kansas lawmakers added transparency and accountability measures to the widely criticized STAR bonds program this spring, but the new rules will not apply to two youth sports facilities — in Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas — that are moving closer to construction. STAR bonds, a development incentive backed by Kansas sales tax revenue, have drawn scrutiny because of failed projects that did not meet the program’s tourism and income goals. When legislators reauthorized the program for five more years in April, they insisted on higher investment minimums and added a handful of new guidelines intended to prevent future unsuccessful ventures. The guidelines went into effect on July 1.
Source: The Kansas City Star
