Written by
The Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Gov. Mark Dayton and a key state lawmaker say a new Minnesota Vikings stadium must be built at the current site of the Metrodome to secure any kind of state funding this year.
"In terms of this session, the only option I see is at the Metrodome site," said Governor Mark Dayton. "Circumstances change with the legislature, they have their own prerogatives, but that's the way I view it."
State Sen. Julie Rosen said she agreed with Dayton and expects to introduce a stadium bill soon with the Metrodome as the chosen site.
So despite all of the talk about funding, despite the desire of the Arden Hills site by the Minnesota Vikings and despite all of the other stadium options, the state finds itself right back where it started four years ago.
A spokesman for the Minnesota Vikings says the team's owners are extremely frustrated with the word from the Capitol.
Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said Tuesday that team officials are eager to hear the rationale offered by Dayton and legislative stadium supporters for insisting on a Metrodome site that's the team's least favored of three options. Team owners and executives are meeting with Dayton and lawmakers Wednesday.
The Vikings prefer a suburban stadium in Ramsey County but had also warmed up to a Minneapolis site on the other side of downtown from the Metrodome. Dayton is now saying both those options are politically unworkable.
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