A bill authored by Republican State Senator Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka that would increase funding for capital improvements in South Bend unanimously passed the Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Senate Bill 326 would increase the maximum amount that may be captured in the South Bend Professional Sports and Convention Development Area from $2 million to $5 million.

The funds would transfer to the city of South Bend, and $2.5 million would be used for capital improvements for a facility owned by the city and used by a professional sports franchise. The remaining captured taxes would be used for specific purposes already designated under current law. SB 326 would also extend the life of the South Bend PSDA until June 30, 2044.

“South Bend should be able to make significant improvements by allowing the city to use more funding from the PSDA,” Mishler said. “The funding would help expand Four Winds Fields, home of the South Bend Cubs, and boost our economic growth. I’m hoping the local communities throughout the region will see economic growth as a result.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.