St. Paul Mayor Not Ready To Back Vikings In County
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP/WCCO) -- St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says he's not yet willing to support a new Minnesota Vikings stadium north of his city in Ramsey County.
Coleman says he wants a better idea of how his constituents will benefit in relation to the taxes they'll pay. Earlier this week, Ramsey County officials and the Vikings proposed a $1.1 billion stadium in Arden Hills that would be paid in part with a half-cent sales tax increase in the county.
"I have been even-handed throughout. I've said I want the project in Minnesota. It's gotta be one that's viable economically.
It's gotta be one that works for all three parties -- the Vikings, the local partner and the people of Minnesota," said Gov. Mark Dayton.
St. Paul is Ramsey County's largest city, and Coleman says he'll withhold judgment until he sees an upcoming state analysis of how much that tax increase would raise and how much would come from within the city. Coleman says he thinks St. Paul should get some direct benefit from the tax revenue it contributes.
"Whether you are up on the North Shore or anywhere else, this is a statewide asset," Coleman said. "There are fairer ways to distribute the burden and the cost associated with a stadium."
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