Vikings Stadium Backers Meet, But No Breakthrough

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton, the Minnesota Vikings owners and other key players in the push to build a new football stadium in Ramsey County met behind closed doors for 90 minutes but didn’t resolve differences that have stalled progress.

“This is the one that’s come together. This is the one the Vikings believe is the best prospect for a successful franchise and a successful team and that’s obviously what we all want,” Dayton said. “So we’re going to do everything possible to make this project come together.”

Dayton, Zygi and Mark Wilf, several state lawmakers and Ramsey County commissioners emerged from the Tuesday afternoon meeting saying there’s no agreement on how to cover up to $131 million in unallocated road costs tied to building the $1 billion stadium in Arden Hills.

Dayton says he wants agreement by Friday so legislators can draw up a bill the public can review. But Dayton and lawmakers also agree the bill can’t start moving at the Capitol until a state budget deal is reached to avoid a government shutdown.

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