Minnesota House Approves Final Vikings Stadium Plan

Both of Northfield’s representatives in the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to support the final Minnesota Vikings stadium financing plan that was approved early Thursday morning.

Rep. Kelby Woodard (R-District 25B), who represents the majority of Northfield, and Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-District 36B), who represents the city’s lone precinct in Dakota County, were among 71 House members voting in favor. Sixty voted against the measure.

A complete rundown of voting can be found by clicking here.

The legislation approved by the House at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday was a revised financing plan written by a Minnesota Legislature conference committee on Wednesday. The conference committee was necessary because the House and Senate approved different financing plans earlier this week.

Highlights of the final bill—would cannot be altered by the House or the Senate—include:

• A $50 million increase in stadium construction costs paid by the Vikings.

• A series of “blink-on taxes” to be relied upon if revenues from electronic bingo and pull tabs do not need meet the state’s share of construction costs.

• Five-year exclusive rights for the Vikings to start a professional soccer team at the new stadium.

Text of the final bill can be viewed here.

The legislation faces one more vote in the Senate, which is scheduled for today. If approved, it moves on to Gov. Mark Dayton, who is expected to sign the bill. The Minneapolis City Council also needs to give its blessing before construction of the stadium, to be located adjacent to the Metrodome, could begin.

Both senators representing Northfield—Sen. Al DeKruif (R-District 25) and Sen. Dave Thompson (R-District 36)— on Tuesday.

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