Joint Statement Regarding Key Arena Negotiations

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2006

Governor Chris Gregoire, Senator Margarita Prentice, Senator Mike Hewitt, Representative Jim McIntire, Representative Mike Armstrong:

�We made significant progress but we want to get it right the first time. We love the Sonics and want them to stay. We need further assurances that the city and the Sonics can come to a mutually acceptable working agreement before the legislature acts.

�We are committed to work with the Sonics and the local governments during the interim to bring a package forward that the Legislature and the public can support.�


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