Vikings' stadium plan incomplete according to governor

The Minnesota Vikings have expressed frustration that a bill addressing the team’s stadium initiative will not be included in an extra sessions in which lawmakers are tackling the state’s budget.

But Gov. Mark Dayton says the plan to construct a retractable-roof stadium in Arden Hills, a Ramsey County suburb of Minneapolis, is incomplete, according to the Associated Press.

It’s incomplete because no one has spelled out yet who will pay for necessary roadwork and infrastructure improvements in the area to make the stadium possible. The cost overrun has been reported to be $100 million. Right now, the Vikings have committed $407 million to the project. Ramsey County is expected to contribute $350 million with a controversial local sales tax hike and the state has earmarked $300 million. Still, it’s not enough to get the project done.

Per the report, Dayton will “seriously consider” calling a special legislative session later this year to handle the matter. However, he says it needs to be a “good deal for Minnesota” and apparently the current plan doesn’t meet that standard.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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