$3.5 million for "velodromes"?

{Statesman Journal}--

What the heck is a Velodrome???

A Velodrone is basically a bicycle racing track, which are usually high banked oval shape bicycle tracks used for competitive racing and training.

Senate Bill 926 would allow for a construction of two tracks in southern Oregon and the third to be built in Eugene/Springfield area.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Atkinson, senators Bates, Brown, Burdick, KRUSE, PROZANSKI, Representatives BUCKLEY, GILLIAM, OLSON, RICHARDSON would direct the State Parks and Recreation Department construct three velodrome's in northern and southern Oregon.

"There's a huge economic pool," said Senator Jason Atkinson, "the bill out grew me and it outgrew the cycling community."

The Senate committee on the environment and natural resources voted 4-0 to recommend passage of the bill. Peggy Lynch, an action committee member for the League of Women Voters, was the only naysayer.

The group's objection was that the seed capital for planning, development and construction -- as much as $3.5 million to match by money from bicycling interests -- would come from Measure 66 money. Voters approved those funds for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to refurbish and acquire new parklands.

Committee member Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, responded that velodromes also provide healthful recreational opportunities.

Additional informationOregon Legislative Assembly, Senate Bill 926 --

I must say I was a little astonished when I read this in light of the passage of the Lane County income tax that something like this would even be considered.

they are screaming that they did not have money for basic services such as public safety, and they are juggling funds to try to make up the difference, For example, the Lane County Parks division will increase user fees for days areas and Camp Lane as a way to help address the proposed $510,000 budget reduction due to the loss of "car rental tax funding", in which the revenues may be redirected to help replace the loss of "Secure Rural Schools Funding".{Lane County news March 21, 2007}--
again, it's all about priorities I guess.