Cheery Stadium Picture Painted

A bad economy over the next two decades could still mean enough tax revenue to support a $330 million Mariners’ stadium, a financial analysis shows.

The analysis by Regional Financial Advisors Inc. of Portland is part of an intense financial scrutiny by the stadium district before it recommends a stadium financing plan to the Metropolitan King County Council by Dec. 1.

Construction of the world-class stadium can only go forward after the council approves the bonds.

If the economy falters in the next 20 years, the tax still could raise $315 million. In a robust economy and with success in winning tax-exempt bonds for the project, the stadium district could be looking at $449 million. The extra money could go to pay off stadium debt or create healthy capital reserves.