DETROIT (AP) -- Lawmakers have approved a bill to help finance a downtown Detroit project that would include a new home for the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.
The bill passed Thursday in the Michigan House and now goes to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.
Senators approved the bill last week. It would allow use of tax dollars collected by the city's Downtown Development Authority for the project by Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch.
Ilitch wants to build a $650 million multiuse development, which would include an events center. The team now plays at aging Joe Louis Arena.
The project is expected to create thousands of new construction jobs and pump up to $1 billion into Michigan's economy.
House Democrats say funding a private stadium with taxpayer dollars is not a priority.
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