by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Democratic lawmakers today (Monday, May 3) presented Vikings’ stadium proposals they believe can yet be passed as the legislative session moves into its final weeks.

The proposals will soon be in bill form. Senate Tax Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Loren Solberg, DFL-Grand Rapids, are carrying legislation they described as flexible — placing a new Vikings stadium at the Metrodome or at another location.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Loren Solberg (pictured), DFL-Grand Rapids, will carry Vikings' stadium legislation in the House. Solberg, along with Senate Tax Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, presented their stadium proposals this morning at a Capitol press conference. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

One possible site outside of the Minneapolis area has been in the City of Brooklyn Park.

The lawmakers describe their proposals as The White Plan and The Purple Plan — the former would have the City of Minneapolis shifting downtown entertainment taxes from paying for the convention center to paying for the $791 million stadium.

Other elements of the plan include a 40-year lock-in lease for the Vikings, the team paying stadium debt service, among other elements.

Four specific resources

The Purple Plan has the Vikings kicking in $264 million up front funding for a new stadium with four specific resources paying for financing the remaining $527 million for over 40-years.

These include a hotel and car rental surtax, a sales tax on Vikings clothing, lottery scratch-off game.

“We have enough time,” Solberg said of nursing the bills through the Legislature before adjournment.

The Vikings Lester Bagley spoke of the legislation as a positive step. though expressing some concerns.

The Vikings’ Lester Bagley called the legislation “a great start.” (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

But Bagley expressed concern about the financing of a stadium roof — a roof is of no value to the Vikings, he said.

Further, Bagley indicated the team was considering about $210 million in up front money, and further indicated wariness over the teaming signing a 40-year lease agreement.

Buy-in needed from local government

Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, who along with Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, provided a bipartisan scope to the morning press conference, repeatedly said for a stadium proposal to be successful it needed buy-in from local government.

He indicated that part of the deal was up to the Vikings. “We’re working on this,” said Bagley of finding a local partner.

Pawlenty Deputy Chief of Staff Brian McClung said Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s position on the stadium remains unchanged.

“While the Vikings are an important state asset, the governor believes the Legislature should concentrate on passing a budget and key education reforms,” said McClung.

“We remain opposed to any stadium plan that includes tax increases and believe the team needs a local partner to be successful in their effort,” he said.

The two lawmakers, Sen. Baak and Rep. Solberg, indicated that the Legislature is in the final stages of passing a supplemental state budget.

Further, they billed the stadium proposal as a jobs’  proposal.

< Prev		Next >