Hartford’s XL Center closer to major renovation than in last decade. Here’s why.

HARTFORD — Hartford’s aging XL Center arena is now closer to a major renovation than it has been in a decade, after state lawmakers backed a plan that would allow at least $20 million in private investment for the $107 million project.

The legislation, approved as part of the $51.1 billion state budget for the next two fiscal years, also includes another $15 million in public funding for a total of $80 million. The state approved $65 million in funds three years ago that would come from the proceeds of the sale of state bonds.