Downtown East stadium rendering
The Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. - A new stadium authority will keep Vikings stadium construction on a $975 million budget, work out a 30-year lease with the team and run the new arena.
Five members soon to be appointed to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will hold sway over the massive development in downtown Minneapolis, on the site of the Metrodome, the team's current home.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak have until mid-June to name the members.
The authority will represent the public's interest in a construction project that has taxpayers putting up almost $500 million.
The head of a similar authority that oversees the Twins' Target Field says the power to approve stadium spending gives the group control if disputes arise during the project.
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