Incoming St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly wants to build the stadium with food, beverage and ticket taxes. Such a park, which is expected to cost between $350 million and $375 million, would likely be built in one of three Downtown sites or near Lexington Parkway and University Avenue. One reason--he doesn't think there is time (up to a year) or money (up to $1 million) to push through a referendum.
Local business groups, such as the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce's board, are behind the proposal and are ready to support it with money and effort.
Bars and restaurants that benefit from the Minnesota Wild crowds seem to support the measure, but the proposed tax has drawn a mixed reaction outside Downtown. The tax, up to 3%, would be on top of the regular sales tax, adding as much as 10% to the cost of meals and drinks.
Rep. Tom Osthoff (DFL-St. Paul), and Sen. Charles Wiger (DFL-North St. Paul) introduced the proposal to the Minnesota Legislature this week. Osthoff was on a recent stadium task force that suggested Minnesota build two new stadiums, one for the Twins and another for the Vikings and the University of Minnesota football Gophers.
The bill calls for the state to finance a St. Paul Twins stadium through a bond sale, and for the city and the Twins to pay the loan off together. The legislation is silent on a number of important issues, including how much the park will cost or where in thecity the stadium would be built.
While Major League Baseball is still pushing to fold the Twins and the Montreal Expos, which rank last among the 30 teams in terms of revenue, Twins officials have said a new stadium could save the team.
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