Rhode Island Not Ready To Commit On America's Cup
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island's top economic development official says the state won't be ready to commit to the America's Cup until after a Dec. 31 deadline set by the team selecting the host city, potentially aiding San Francisco's chances of landing the race.
But Keith Stokes says that should not prevent BMW Oracle from choosing Newport as the venue for the 2013 America's Cup on a conditional basis.
Stokes said on Wednesday the state is a week or two away from an estimate on the cost of improving infrastructure at Newport's Fort Adams State Park.
A spokesman for Gov.-elect Lincoln Chafee said landing the cup is a top priority, but Chafee doesn't want to commit until he knows the cost.
The Newport Chamber of Commerce predicts a $1.1 billion economic boost from the prestigious international sailing competition.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison's BMW Oracle Racing Team won the 33rd America's Cup on behalf of San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club in February and gets to choose the host city for the next race.
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