Way Cleared For Stadium

The Senate has voted in favor of a bill that would allow Montana State University to build a privately-funded $12 million football stadium.

On a 45-3 vote, the Senate sent House Bill 603 to Gov. Marc Racicot for his signature or veto. The bill would exempt Montana State from state bidding requirements in building the stadium and give the school spending authority for private donations related to the project.

The bill contains similar provisions for a project at the University of Montana and at Western Montana College.