If you're a St. Louis voter wondering about the benefits of committing $60 million of public funds to an MLS stadium, you've had little choice but to rely on the only resource offering a detailed financial analysis of the plan: the "economic impact study" commissioned by SC STL, the very ownership group pushing the stadium project.
According to the study's estimates, a pro soccer team playing next to Union Station would generate about $77 million in revenue over the next 30 years, accounting for hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs, and creating a tidy gain of $17 million for the city's coffers.
The study, which was produced by St. Louis-based consultancy firm Missouri Wonk, has been regularly touted by SC STL and its supporters in preparation for tomorrow's general municipal election, which will determine whether St. Louis diverts tens of millions of new tax revenue to the stadium.
But fundamental questions remain about Missouri Wonk's rosy conclusions.…