Governor says deal on new Bucks arena 'close'

MILWAUKEE - Gov. Scott Walker says he thinks a deal to pay for a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks is ''close.''

Walker commented on the status of negotiations Friday, the day after he personally joined the talks for the first time.

Walker says, ''I think we're close. But obviously we have to work out the last little bit of details.''

The Republican governor first proposed a $220 million bonding plan in late January to help fund the proposed $500 million arena. Other ideas would lower the state's contribution to around $150 million, with more money coming from local governments.