ST. PAUL, Minn. - A northwestern Minnesota tribe is the latest to offer a proposal to help pay for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
Thursday morning, White Earth Tribe leaders announced a proposal, called MinnesotaWins, to develop a Twin Cities-area casino with profits being spilt 50-50 between the tribe and the state.
"MinnesotaWins will provide much-needed jobs and economic development not only in the metro area but also in Minnesota's poorest areas, and provide a continued revenue source for the state. All with no new taxes," said Erma J. Vizenor, Tribal Chairwoman of the White Earth Tribe. "We are confident that our solution is the fairest option for all Minnesotans."
The tribe says revenue generated from the metro casino could provide the entire public share of funding for a new Vikings stadium. A location for the proposed casino would be could be complementary to the location of a new Vikings stadium, the tribe says.
The White Earth Tribe says the casino would be regulated by the state and would create up 2,500 construction jobs as well as 2,000 new permanent jobs.
The tribe's proposal was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives this week by Rep. Kent Eken (D-Twin Valley) and Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) and has received Gov. Mark Dayton's support.
Tribe leaders say money could be reinvested in housing and economic developments for the tribe and other residents of the area.
The White Earth Tribe currently owns and operates Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minn., and is the state's largest tribe.
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