Re "The Rush to a Stadium" (editorial, March 25), about the New York Jets' plan to build the New York Sports and Convention Center on Manhattan's far West Side:

You say the city and state contribution of $600 million "could go higher if overruns occurred." In fact, the combined government contribution is capped, and if the project comes in lower than expected, the city and state will share the benefit.

You also say the plan to finance the stadium "involves selling bonds against future tax revenue in the area." The facility itself will generate $75 million a year in additional revenue to the city and state, much of which already fills New Jersey coffers every year. This will more than cover the yearly debt service. And as cities like San Diego, New Orleans and Tampa know, one Super Bowl can generate another $27 million.

If these are not compelling enough reasons to situate a sports and convention center on Manhattan's West Side, then consider the 18,000 construction and 6,800 permanent jobs it will create. The New York Jets are proud to make a historic $800 million investment in the project.

L. JAY CROSS
President, New York Jets
New York, March 29, 2004