Dayton asks for stadium impact study

Arden Hills stadium
A rendering of a proposed stadium for the Minnesota Vikings in Arden Hills. The team and Ramsey County announced a deal Tuesday to finance and build the stadium.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

With this year's legislative work now behind him, Gov. Mark Dayton looks ready to focus on a stadium proposal.

Dayton is asking the Met Council for help in addressing some of the issues related to a proposed Vikings stadium in Ramsey County. The governor sent a letter this week to Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh to request an evaluation of the former Army ammunition plant site in Arden Hills.

Specifically, he wants the Met Council to analyze possible environmental risks and transportation issues related to the project.

Dayton also notes that he intends to use the stadium as an example of his administration's commitment to a streamlined review and permitting process.

Dayton previously said he is open to calling a special session to address a Vikings stadium bill, but he has made no commitment to that yet. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said earlier this week that he remains hopeful for a special session in the fall.

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