Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland is moving closer to its goal of getting a Major League Soccer venue.

The Oregon House Wednesday approved a $5 million grant to help renovate a minor league baseball park into a soccer stadium. The money would come from income taxes paid by players and staff of the team.

Supporters like Democratic Representative Jules Bailey said that means there would be no impact to state services.

Jules Bailey: “If there is no MLS soccer team and players, there are no income tax revenues to the state. This is not schools versus soccer. We are not losing any dollars in the general fund now.”

Opponents said public money should not be used to finance a stadium for a privately owned team.

Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia, were awarded Major League Soccer teams this year that are set to hit the field in 2011.

Seattle has a Major League Soccer team that started playing this year.

The bill in the Oregon Legislature now moves to the Senate for consideration.