Minnesota House Committee approves bill to fund new Minnesota Vikings stadium - NFL News
National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell and Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Art Rooney II on Friday met with Minnesota State lawmakers and governor, Mark Dayton to urge progress on a bill to provide the Minnesota Vikings a public subsidy for
developing a new stadium.
It seems his efforts have borne fruit as just hours later the state house committee finally approved the bill to provide the franchise with public funds to help develop the new $975 million stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
An earlier bill was first rejected by the house committee by a 9-6 margin that increased fears amongst the fans that the franchise’s days in Minnesota were numbered and it might look to move to another city in 2013.
However, the new bill which was approved by a slim margin of 8-6 has now given new life to the Vikings bid to build a new home in the city.
The Vikings point man for all stadium matters, Lester Bagley was pleased with the outcome.
"We're very pleased with the progress and that the bill moved forward. It's been an up and down week, touch and go."
This is not the end of the Vikings problems though as the bill will now move toward another house committee for further approval.
According to the stadium plans, the franchise will provide $427 million as their contribution to the construction costs while the state will provide $548 million.
Not everyone was happy at the passing of the bill though. Senator Roger Chamberlain was one of the six lawmakers who voted against approving the monetary subsidy.
"I think some of us are just trying to represent the good wishes of many Minnesotans."
Criticism for funding the bill has remained strong with many lawmakers unhappy having to pay a private enterprise run by a billionaire owner from taxpayer money.
The Vikings have for years lobbied to develop a new stadium in Minnesota as they argue that revenues from their current home at the Metrodome are not enough for the franchise to keep pace with their rivals.
The franchise’s lease of the stadium also expired this year with although the team will play the entire 2012-13 season at the Metrodome.
Tags: