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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:42 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2008

NFL: Missouri board approves $25M tax breaks for Chiefs

Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A state board approved $25 million in tax credits for additional improvements at the Kansas City Chiefs stadium.

Part of the money will be used to build a new Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The indoor facility is expected to open in 2010, ending the Chiefs' tradition of training in River Falls, Wis.

Supporters say the change will help Missouri tourism. Republican Sen. Charlie Shields, of St. Joseph, says the professional football training camp also will transform his city's image.

Democratic Sen. Wes Shoemyer, of Clarence, warned of a potential public and political backlash for providing tax breaks benefiting sports teams in a bad economy.

The Missouri Development Finance Board approved the deal by a 10-0 vote Tuesday.