PORTLAND, OR Despite a slowdown in the local lodging industry, officials here said they are confident that the lagging growth in visitor taxes will still generate enough money to support the $325 million deal to expand the Oregon Convention Center and boost the local tourism economy. The deal, supported by a 2.5% tax on hotel and car rental receipts, includes $135 million in bonds to expand the convention center, renovate PGE Park and pay for improvements to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. (3/13/01)
SOURCE:The Oregonian