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Seattle hopes to lure NBA with new arena

Seattle-area officials have signed legislation on the funding plan for construction of an arena that could be used to lure the NBA back to the city.

Seattle-area officials have signed legislation on the funding plan for construction of an arena that could be used to lure the NBA back to the city.

King County executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn signed the deal this week after a negotiated memorandum of understanding between the city, county and investor Chris Hansen was approved by the city and county councils a day earlier.

The plan calls for a $490-million arena to be built in the area where Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field are located, with $200 million in public financing. The arena plan is still subject to environmental reviews.

On Thursday, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union filed a lawsuit against the project. The union contends that a third sports arena in the area will create more traffic congestion that will imperil "great working-class jobs."