Pawlenty says new Vikings stadium design is easy part, finding money is much tougher
By APFriday, December 18, 2009
Pawlenty: Vikings stadium rub is cost, not design
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Pawlenty is tempering expectations around a new football stadium a day after a public commission released a fresh design and cost figures.
On his weekly radio show, Pawlenty reacted Friday to the latest twist in the Vikings stadium debate.
Pawlenty said the design part is easy and the real struggle is over financing. In his words, “Anybody can hire an architect and design a stadium. The problem is who is going to pay for it.”
The Republican governor met this week with the Vikings owners and told him he won’t allow a state tax increase toward a stadium. He said diverting existing taxes would be “dicey.”
On Thursday, consultants showed off renderings for a stadium envisioned for the current Metrodome site. They said it would cost $870 million if construction begins next year.
