Field of Dreams tax rebate headed to governor's desk

A sales tax rebate for a $38 million investment in a Field of Dreams baseball complex in northeast Iowa is headed for home.

The Iowa House approved a 5 percent state sale tax rebate to the developers of a baseball complex at the iconic Field of Dreams site near Dyersville in exchange for the $38 million investment that is projected to attract $40 million in economic activity and 60,000 out-of-state visitors each year.

“His is definitely a jobs bill in my mind,” said floor manager Rep. Steve Lukan, R-New Vienna, before the House voted 53-41 and sent Senate File 2329 to the governor. The developers estimate there will be 900 jobs – many part-time – at the complex of 24 baseball and softball diamonds, an indoor training facility and lodging that would draw teams from all around to compete in major tournaments.

The Senate voted 34-14 April 3 to approved the bill, which is designed to provide a tax rebate of up to $16.5 million to the owners of Eastern Iowa cornfields made famous by the movie “Field of Dreams.”