Detriot Fines Red Wings’ Stadium Contractors

Contractors working on the Red Wings’ new hockey stadium have been fined nearly a half-million dollars, for not hiring enough Detroiters to do the work.

The Detroit News reports:

“As part of the deal to allow $250 million in taxpayer-backed bonds to pay for construction of the arena, Olympia Development agreed to the 51 percent goal.”

The deal also calls for at least 30 percent of the construction contracts to be awarded to Detroit businesses and city officials say that goal is being met and surpassed.

A spokesman for Olympia Development says Detroit and developers are working together on the issue, noting that a lack of skilled-trade workers who live in Detroit has been an ongoing issue for years.