The Missouri Department of Economic Development could be using its weight to bring negotiations between the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Western State University to a close.

The Associated Press tonight is reporting that a “glitch has arisen in the Kansas City Chiefs' plans to move their training facility from Wisconsin to Missouri in exchange for state tax credits.”

At issue is the $25 million state tax credit proposal the Missouri Development Finance Board approved in December for the Chiefs, who agreed to turn over $10 million to Western for an indoor practice stadium. Former Gov. Matt Blunt and three state department directors signed off on the deal, which holds the Chiefs to keeping its camp in St. Joseph for five years.

The original proposal from the Chiefs and the Jackson County Sports Authority would move its camp from River Falls, Wis., to St. Joseph for five years beginning in 2010 with five one-year renewal options after that for a possible commitment of up to 10 years.

The News-Press in late March reported that Chiefs and Western officials still were amidst negotiations on the camp’s operating agreement and who would pony up the $2 million in tax credit fees.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, chairman of the finance board, at the time said he believed the project was in jeopardy as a result.

Apparently, the Department of Economic Development is stepping in.

“But a spokesman (of) the Missouri Department of Economic Development said Monday that no tax credits will be issued until the Chiefs commit to keeping their camp in Missouri for 10 years. Spokesman John Fougere (foo-ZHAYR') says that was the original intent of the Missouri Development Finance Board,” according to the AP.

Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, told the News-Press that Western-Chiefs negotiations were near completion after a meeting with Economic Development Director Linda Martinez Monday night in his office and he didn’t believe the project was in danger.

“I think we’re very close to having this thing put together,” Mr. Shields said.

He said if Western agrees to a five-year contract with five one-year options, then the contract again will go before the finance board.

However, he questioned whether the board could prevent the issuance of the credits if the Chiefs didn’t agree to a straight 10-year commitment.

“As long as it meets the elements of what it voted on (in December), then it’s good to go,” Mr. Shields said.

A spokesman for Mr. Kinder said the Chiefs intend on a 10-year commitment to St. Joseph, but the five one-year options were included to protect all parties involved, particularly the university.

“These efforts by the department could put this project in jeopardy,” Gary McElyea said.