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Robinson backed in bid to get stadium contracts for blacks
Tuesday, January 26, 1999 By Ervin Dyer, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
State Rep. William Robinson has drawn support from two minority groups for his efforts to ensure that blacks get a share of the work on any new stadium construction in Pennsylvania.
Last night, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the National Association of Minority Contractors/Black Contractors Association said they were backing Robinson's legislation, which would mandate that blacks be hired for a portion of the work.
"This is an opportunity for African-American businesses and professionals," said Doris Carson Williams, president of the commerce organization. "In the previous Renaissance, African-Americans weren't chosen [to participate] to full capacity. This time, we're looking for more of a role for women and minorities."
Robinson, D-Hill District, and state Rep. Andrew Carn, D-Philadelphia, are co-sponsoring a package of bills that would attach minority hiring requirements to any state money for new stadiums. At least $150 million in state funds are being sought for the two Pittsburgh stadiums.
Officials of the chamber and minority contractors' group complained that blacks and women had largely been left out of participation in previous public projects, like the $800 million Pittsburgh International Airport and the new county jail.
The Pirates already have chosen major contractors and architects for their $209 million stadium on the North Shore, but none of those is a minority-owned firm, they added. City officials have said, however, that when subcontractors are hired, they plan to make sure 25 percent of the work on the stadium is done by minority firms and 10 percent by woman-owned firms.
On Saturday, at 1 p.m., Robinson will hold a town meeting on the stadium issue at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum, 7310 Frankstown Ave., Homewood.
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