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A bill that could lay the groundwork for a new coliseum for the Richmond region easily passed the House of Delegates Wednesday on a 84-15 vote.

Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, pitched the bill as a way to allow the region to collaborate on a future project to replace the aging Richmond Coliseum.

The bill, House Bill 1237, would give the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority the power to build, own and operate an arena. The RMTA - which includes representation from the city of Richmond, Henrico County and Chesterfield County - previously owned The Diamond baseball stadium and still operates the area's toll facilities.

Loupassi has said the regional entity could better partner with the private sector on a potential coliseum project.

There was no debate of the bill on the House floor.