ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) 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 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 with the Vikings owners and told them he won’t allow a state tax increase toward a stadium. He said diverting existing taxes would be “dicey.”
On Dec. 17, 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.
