“We’re on a tight time line,” added Bill Kuehling, a Thompson Coburn attorney who is working for the ownership group.

Construction workers were busy on the site Tuesday morning. At least one ramp to Highway 40 (Interstate 64) had already been removed.

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who sits on the development board, said he views the board’s action as sending a signal to people dealing with the coronavirus outbreak that the state is committed to job creation.

“We want people to understand we will get through this,” Kehoe told board members.

City action delayed

The St. Louis Port Authority also was scheduled to consider a resolution to expand its boundaries, another step tied to the stadium’s development, but delayed action on Tuesday.

The MLS ownership group has asked the city for a special 1% sales tax on stadium purchases levied through the port. That tax would be in addition to two other 1% sales taxes through a Community Improvement District and a Transportation Development District.

Some members of the Board of Aldermen, however, have been reluctant to expand the Port Authority’s jurisdiction, which is currently limited to the riverfront.