Committee forms in support of preserving Astrodome

Photo Courtesy Harris County Sports an

The proposed redesign and redevelopment of the Astrodome, which was dubbed the New Dome Experience, calls for turning the old dome into a space for events, festivals and conferences.

Past and present Harris County leaders gathered Sept. 12 to announce the formation of a political action committee intended to lead efforts in support of the Nov. 5 bond election that would fund the redevelopment of the Astrodome.

Committee co-chair and former county judge Jon Lindsay said the PAC hopes to raise between $200,000–$250,000 in an effort to garner support for the measure that will require a tax increase.

If approved, the county will be able to issue up to $217 million in bonds to finance the redesign and redevelopment of the Astrodome as a multipurpose special events center. A future property tax increase—potentially about four-tenths of a cent—will be necessary. The increase for a home valued at $200,000 is $8 annually, according to county officials.

"I really believe that our preserving and reviving and bringing the Astrodome back up to speed and to have all generations join together to enjoy it again is really what it's all about," said Dene Hofheinz, daughter of former county judge Roy Hofheinz.

The effort is not just about saving the Dome, but preserving an asset for the future, said county judge Ed Emmett, who is in support of the PAC.

"By preserving the asset, there might be the greatest idea for what to do [in the future] with the building, but in the meantime we need to make sure it pays for itself and it's an attractive venue that can bring in people from all over the world," he said. "I think that's what we're putting in front of the voters November 5, and that's why I'm supportive of it."