SAINT PAUL - The City of Saint Paul has opened the selection process to design and build its new $54 million dollar ballpark in Lowertown.
The decision, announced Wednesday, comes just days after the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and a Republican activist sued the city to stop construction of the new Saints' ballpark.
The league and activist Greg Copeland contend St. Paul violated laws when the contract was awarded to Ryan Companies. without an open selection or bidding process.
"The City of Saint Paul has acted within the full authority of the law with the work to date in pursuing and building a Lowertown Ballpark," said Mayor Chris Coleman. "In the interest of transparency, we are conducting a competitive selection process for the design / builder. Transparency in government always has been and will remain a top priority of mine and I believe this process will ensure the best outcome for the city, taxpayers and ultimately, the project."
The Lowertown Ballpark is expected to be open in the spring of 2015. It will host the Saint Paul Saints, as well as numerous amateur leagues and other sports organizations from around the state.
City leaders maintain that the construction of the ballpark will add hundreds of jobs and have an economic impact in the millions of dollars.
"Although this selection process may cause some delays, it is my hope that this process will move smoothly and swiftly so we are able to play baseball in Lowertown on opening day in 2015," said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Mike Hahm in a written release.
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