The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky • Page B4

Time: 03-12-2007 22:42 User: mjohnson PubDate: 03-13-2007 Zone: KY Edition: 1 Page Name: B4 Color: Bftapbnta B4 I TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2007 I THE COURIER-JOURNAL METRO I Tourism tax-credit bill clears hurdle in Indiana KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLAZA Developers win state aid for major project sembly approved its Tourism Development Act in 1996. Since then, 11 projects have qualified for the tax break with investments totaling more than $530 million. The projects include the construction of the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta and the creation of 4th Street Live and renovation of the Gait House Hotel Suites in Louisville. Indiana senators expressed concern yesterday that the tax break might put some tourism sites at a competitive disadvantage to others. But representatives of the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureaus said existing operators support the legislation and believe it can boost the state's tourism industry overall.

Tourism is "very important to our economic development," said the association's lobbyist, Dick Thompson. The Indiana Office of Tourism Development will decide which projects receive the tax credit, Thompson said. The credit would not reduce the state's current revenue. But it could lower revenue that the state would get from future projects at least for 10 years. That's why tourism officials said it should be used for projects that wouldn't otherwise be completed.

Reporter Lesley Stedman Weidenbener can be reached at (317) 444-2780. By Lesley Stedman Weidenbener The Courier-Journal INDIANAPOLIS A bill to create a tourism tax credit similar to one that Kentucky has used for a number of development projects cleared a Senate committee yesterday. House Bill 1166, authored by Rep. Bill Cochran, D-New Albany, now moves to the Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee, where members will consider its fiscal impact on the state. The bill would allow developers of tourism-related sites including theme parks, convention centers and significant entertainment venues to recoup up to 25 percent of their investment in sales-tax refunds over 10 years.

The Economic Development and Technology Committee approved the bill unan-imously yesterday after amending it to allow tourism developments near wineries to qualify for the tax credit. "The bill requires no money from the state," Jim Keith, executive director of the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau, told senators. "Instead it creates an incentive for the developer." Indiana has no economic incentives for tourism projects, making it difficult for the state to compete with Kentucky, he said. The Kentucky General As Continued from Bl Committee made changes in House Bill 549 to allow such tax benefits for similar large-scale projects throughout the state. The bill passed the Senate 35-1.

The House approved Senate changes 85-11. And Jodi Whi-taker, spokeswoman for Gov. Ernie Fletcher, said he will sign the bill. "I'm tickled to death," said House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, the Louisville Democrat who shepherded the bill through the House. "It's the biggest project that will ever be built in Jefferson County using private and public money.

I'm just glad it's done." Saying the bill would help people in Kentucky "build buildings that can be seen from the moon," Senate President David Williams urged passage of the legislation in the Republican-controlled Senate. "This is a great day for the Kentucky Senate and a great day for business," said Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ed Worley, who worked with Williams and others over the weekend to hammer out a final version of the bill. Greenberg said Museum Plaza's developers supported the changes in the legislation, saying that they will provide the $130 million in improvements that developers needed to move forward with the project. Museum Plaza will have condominiums, office space, retail shops, a Westin hotel and an art museum on an island almost midway up the towers. The bill had originally been written to allow breaks on just two projects Museum Plaza and Ovation, a $1 billion mixed-use development in Newport.

As passed yesterday, however, the bill will create a mechanism for offering financial incentives for developers of other projects of different sizes around the state. It will allow one level of tax breaks for the local development of vacant land and brown-fields, another level of incentives for projects greater than $10 million, and a third level for projects in blighted areas. The biggest breaks will come for those who develop "signature" projects that include at least $200 million in private investment. The financing plan will allow developers to be refunded state and local property taxes, income taxes and sales taxes generated by the project. In Louisville, for the Museum Plaza development, it would also allow $22 million in hotel room tax revenue from the Westin hotel to go toward paying for the infrastructure.

The new financing plan caps the amount of tax revenue that can be rebated to the developers at the cost of the public infrastructure improvements. In the past, they have been able to reclaim a percentage of the development's cost. Greenberg said that won't make a difference to Museum Plaza developers, who had sought only enough money to pay for rerouting River Road, moving the floodwall, building REX Architectural Partners Museum Plaza will have condominiums, office space, retail shops, a Westin hotel and an art museum on an island in the sky. across the state to partake in the same level of state help if it can lure projects the size of the Louisville and Northern Kentucky projects. Under the bill, developers would have to foot the bill for the public infrastructure improvements and would then be rebated up to 80 percent of tax revenues generated at the site.

They would have 30 years to recoup the costs. Reporter Joseph Gerth can be reached at (502) 582-4702. a public park and making a few other public improvements. The developers are footing the entire cost of building the towers, he said. Under the legislation, a state commission would first have to approve the use of state funds for the "signature" projects.

The bill limits the amount of retail establishments allowed in the projects a move designed to block such funding for shopping centers. Williams said the legislation would allow any community GFS Buttermilk Pancake Mix recalled SOCIAL Talks on funding bill continue "What they want is their bill. That's their idea of a compromise." SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID WILLIAMS, on House members' stance on a bill to add more protections for state social workers be dangerous for people with egg allergies. The recalled mix was distributed by Gordon Food Service Inc. (GFS) delivery and GFS Marketplace stores after January 2007.

The boxes have UPC code 93901 24580. The date codes on the recalled mixes have KB6313 and KB6314 as the first six digits. For more information, call (800) 426-0955. Associated Press Continental Mills is recalling about 2,976 5-pound boxes of GFS Buttermilk Pancake Mix because it may contain eggs, although this is not listed on the packaging. Kentucky and Indiana are among the states where it was distributed.

The failure to list eggs among the ingredients could ations. Burch predicted the differences would be worked out. "I think we'll end up with a good bill before this session ends," he said. Reporter Deborah Yetter can be reached at (502) 582-4228. Continued from Bl Williams said.

"What they want is their bill," Williams said of House members. "That's their idea of a compromise." Rep. Tom Burch, D-Louis-ville and the sponsor of HB 362, said House members weren't willing to drop some provisions, including creation of an outside "Blue Ribbon" task force to monitor the state social service system. The Senate version called for an internal work group to monitor child-welfare oper Metro Obituaries Find obituaries online at www.courier-journaLcom Louisville. Survivors: mother, Edna Givens; husband, Dennis Kerrick; daughters, Astra Larance and Rebecca Burkle; son, Christian Hinkle; sister, Constance Ash and Marilyn Mullhall; and six grandchildren.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthias, 2208 Dixie Hwy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Matthias.

children, John H. Hawkins William J. Hawkins and Kathy Hawkins Humphrey (Alvin), all of Louisville. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Wilson of Muldraugh, KY; and three grandchildren. Funeral services: 11 a.m.

Wednesday from the Chapel of Bruing-ton-Jenkins-Sturgeon Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Cap Anderson Cemetery. Visitation: 3 -8 p.m. Tuesday and af-ter 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may go to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's veteran.

Mitch is preceded in death by a Alex Bishop. He is a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lera Edwards Bishop; children, Connie Lyons (Eugene) Royce Bishop (Lisa) and Sheila Fields (C.R.); brother, Leroy Bishop; sisters, Caroline Johnson, Patricia Ewing and Brenda Miracle; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday at J.

E. Ratterman Son, 7330 Southside with burial in Bethany Cemetery. Visitation: 2-8 p.m. Wednesday. Janet Catlett, 61 INDIANA AREA DEATHS Kenneth Arnett, 92 Charles Michael "Chuck" Feider 59 Vernon Ray Cheatham 71 Benjamin Harrison Gardner 53 Herbert M.

Isgrigg, 87 Effie M. Wooldridge Rudd Resch, 87 Bridget C. Donahue, 24 Becky Sue Graham, 39 Jesse Warren Richey, 89 Eugene T. "Tom" Reed 63 Virginia M. Robinson, 83 Woodrow Keil Salgren, 91 Rose W.

"Mena" Schutte, 93 Earl K. Stigger KENTUCKY AREA DEATHS Bartley Wanda O'Bryan, 66 Josh Williams, 19 Paul C. Fraim, 79 Elma Jane Gaskins, 82 Evelyn Swinney Zapp, 87 Charles D. Ferguson, 82 Roy Leon Jaggers, 90 Curtis Ray Smith, 65 Emilia Villanueva, 77 METRO AREA DEATHS Edward P. Becker, 85 Mitchel L.

Bishop, 80 Norman Robert Borders, 69 Laura Mae Nolin England, 90 Lisa Faye Esparza, 35 Robert E. Harlamert 57 Janet Watts Hawkins, 81 Maureen S. Jones, 74 Terri A. Kerrick, 52 Carlos W. Nalley, 79 John Lewis Ormerod, 86 Irene Mary Perry, 84 Penelope "Penny" Kennedy Powell, 39 BECKER, EDWARD 85, of Louisville, died Monday, March 12, 2007 at Treyton Oak Towers.

He retired as a mechanical engineer for Henry Vogt Machine Company after 42 years of service. He was a 50-year member of Iroquois Presbyterian Church an Army Veteran of World War II and a member of the O.S.S. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Doris Meyer Becker; a daughter, Susan Thomas (Gary) grandchildren, Erin Schyck and Greg Thomas; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home, with entombment at Evergreen Mausoleum.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Iroquois Presbyterian Church. Evergreen Funeral Home 4623 Preston Louisville KOy 502-366-1481 children, Barrett Scott, Rebecca, Destiny, Dennis, Matthew and Blake Jr. Funeral services will be at noon on Wednesday at Calvary Road Church, 2120 Raymond Road, Shepherdsville, KY, with burial in the He-bron Cemetery, Shepherdsville.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Arch L. Heady Son, Okolona. Arch L. Heady Son DwV) 8519 Peston Hwy" Loui5ville 502-969-1367 She is survived by seven sons, Johnny, Manuel, Angel, Eddie, Bryant, Soda Pop and Cody; her mother and father, Janice and John Hood; and two sisters, Bonnie Mon-champ and Teresa Lopez.

She will be cremated. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the O. D. White Sons Funeral Home, 2727 S.

3rd with visitation after 6 p.m. O.D. White Sons CthvV 2727 3rd st- Loui5ville 502-637-4474 NALLEY, CARLOS 79, of Louisville, died Monday, March 12, 2007 at Norton Audubon Hospital. He retired after 28 years as a machine operator for Eaton Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Nalley; sons, Donald and Joseph Nalley; daughters, Carlene Priddy, Mary Ann Wallace, Angela Felker, Janet Smith and Charlotte Granzow; 14 grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; sisters, Elizabeth Kremer, Mary Ann Settle, Virginia De-Anda and Charlotte Mudd; and brothers, James, William and Martin Nalley Jr.

Services will be on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 13510 Dixie with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the Hardy Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Wednesday, from 3-8 p.m. Contributions may go to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

W.G.Hardy Funeral Home-Valley Station She is survived by her son, Gary William England and daughter-in-law, Maria Sorolis; her grandchildren, Alethia Danielle England, James William England and Ana Irene England; and a large extended fam- iiy- Visitation with the family in Louisville will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at Arch L. Heady Sons Funeral Home, 7410 Westport Rd. Funeral services will be held at Lemley Funeral Chapel, 6878 2nd Oneonta, AL, 11 a.m. Thursday, with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation with family in Oneonta will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lemley. Memorial gifts may be made to the Cemetery Fund, Oak Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 686, Oneonta, AL 35121. JONES, MAUREEN 74, died Saturday, March 10, 2007.

She was a native of Perryville, KY, a retired employee from the Jefferson Co. Board of Education and a member of First Virginia Avenue Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Owen A. Jones; children, Owen Larry and Glenn A. Jones; two brothers, Robert and Edward Sleet; sisters, Lyda Smalley, Mary Alma Sleet, Elizabeth Muex, and Ethel Sleet; one grandchild and two great- grandchildren.

Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Thursday at her church, 3601 Virginia Avenue; Burial in Green Meadows Cemetery; Visitation from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the church; Arrangements by ENGLAND, LAURA MAE NOLIN, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Louisville, Sunday, March 11, 2007. She was born August 29, 1916 in Springville, AL. She was married for over 70 years to William Oscar England, who predeceased her.

Laura lived in the Oneonta and Birmingham, AL areas until 1991, when she relocated to Florida to be near her son and grandchildren. In 2004, she moved with her son's family to Louisville. Laura was retired from the Robbins Drill Division of Joy Manufacturing, where she managed the accounting department. Laura was active in several Baptist churches, serving as treasurer, teaching Sunday school, serving as Women's Missionary Union president and singing in the choir. Laura and her late husband assisted in planting three new churches.

BORDERS, NORMAN ROBERT, 69, of Louisville, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007 at Sts. Mary Elizabeth Hospital. He was a retired mill operator for Ken-tucky Metals with over 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Borders; daughter, Kim-berly Borders; stepchildren, Christina Crawley and Robby Oaks; sisters, Juanita Sparks, Rose Borders, Maureen Dusel, Elizabeth Whitlock and Martha Borders; brother, James Borders and six step-grandchildren. Funeral service: 10 a.m.

Wednesday at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Chapel, with burial to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Arch Heady at Resthaven 25SjT WO Bardstown Rd, Louisville 502-481-5950 HAWKINS, JANET WATTS, 81, of Louisville, went to be with her Lord, Monday, at Twin Book Nursing Home in Louisville.

She taught school in Meade County for 39 years, having taught at Muldraugh Elementary and Meade County High School. She was a member of Valley Station Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her hus-band, John H. Hawkins. She was a loving mother to her three HARLAMERT, ROBERT E.

57, of Okolona, united with our Lord on March 11, 2007 after along battle with cancer. His love, patience and caring ways will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Linda Rut-ledge; children, Barrett, Blake, Kim and Melanie; parents, Bob and Rosie; siblings, Michael, Debbie and Karen; and grand BISHOP, MITCHEL 80, of Louisville, passed away Monday, March 12, 2007 at Brit-thaven of South Louisville. He is a retired, self-employed auto mechanic, a native of Glasgow, KY, a deacon and member of Shively Baptist Church and an Army 5 10907 Dixie Louisville '502-937-6400 ESPARZA, LISA FAYE, 35, of Louisville passed away Saturday, March 10, 2007. KERRICK, TERRI 52, died Saturday, March 10, 2007 at her home in Continued on page B5.