The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee gives the ax to the $15 million for the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center that was included in Governor Tony Evers Capital budget.

During a meeting Thursday, the committee approved a $2.4 billion building budget that includes $50 million in grants for communities and nonprofits for projects having a statewide public purpose.

Grants would be limited to $4 million and applications would go through the state building commission.

The $50.3 million indoor athletic and conference center would be located in the former Sears footprint at Uptown Janesville.

The proposed project would be paid for with both public and private funding sources. That includes $7 million from the private sector and $5 million from the federal government.

The Friends of the Woodman’s Center group has committed to raising $9 million, and the Janesville City Council approved borrowing up to $17.3 million for the project.