COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Cleveland Browns’ plans to build a new stadium in suburban Brook Park cleared a major hurdle Monday, as Gov. Mike DeWine signed a state budget bill offering $600 million from the state to cover one-fourth of the stadium’s anticipated cost, according to a spokesman.
Beyond providing the money out of the state’s unclaimed property fund, the newly signed budget also clears other big roadblocks for a Browns move. DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said other budget items signed into law include measures gutting the state’s “Art Modell Law” that restricts pro sports teams from moving without local consent, as well as guaranteeing the Browns will keep their share of Cuyahoga County “sin tax” money.