The committee also agreed to let Savvis Center keep some of the tax revenue it generates as part of a plan to get a pro basketball team, but capped the total at $3 million a year. But if the basketball team doesn't show up, a third of that money would be devoted to rehabbing the Kiel Opera House.

The bill will now move to the full House for its consideration.

From Jefferson City, Robert Sandler.

There may be a glimmer of hope for fixing up Kiel Opera House as part of a plan approved by a House committee Tuesday. Robert Sandler has more from Jefferson City.

The House Commerce Committee adopted a plan that would let Savvis Center keep up to 3 million dollars of the taxes it generates every year as part of a plan to bring in a pro basketball team.

But if the basketball team doesn't come, a third of that money would be set aside to fix up the vacant Kiel opera house.

Representative Richard Byrd, a Kirkwood Republican, sponosred the change.

The committee also approved increasing the Cardinals' penalty for not finishing Ballpark Village on time to $150 million.

The bill now goes before the full House.

From Jefferson City, Robert Sandler.

The Cardinals would face a stiffer penalty from the state if they fail to complete Ballpark Village on time, under changes made by a House committee Tuesday. Robert Sandler has more from Jefferson City.

The House Commerce Committee approved changes that would increase the team's penalty to $150 million for not finishing 5 of the 6 parts of Ballpark Village by 2010.

The committee also agreed to let Savvis Center keep up to $3 million of the state tax revenue it generates every year to help it lure a pro basketball team. If the basketball team doesn't come, some of that money would be held for fixing up Kiel Opera House.

Both changes were offered by Representative Richard Byrd, a Kirkwood Republican.

The bill now goes to the full House.

From Jefferson City, Robert Sandler.

A House committee approved adding the Savvis Center to the massive statewide stadium package Tuesday. Robert Sandler has more from Jefferson City.

The House Commerce Committee agreed to let Savvis Center keep $3 million of the state tax revenue it generates every year as part of a plan to bring in a pro basketball team.

But if the basketball team doesn't come, part of that money would be set aside for Kiel Opera House.

The committee also raised the Cardinals penalty for not coming through on Ballpark Village to $150 million.

The changes were pushed through the committee by Kirkwood Republican, Representative Richard Byrd.

The bill now goes back to the full House.

From Jefferson City, Robert Sandler.