When the Minnesota Vikings and Ramsey County agreed to build a $1.1 billion stadium complex on the site of a former ammunition plant in Arden Hills, they were two-thirds of the way there. Now, the hard part: getting the Legislature and governor to approve a plan that requires $300 million in state investment but potentially more public money to improve roads, highways and interchanges near the site, east of Interstate 35W and U.S. 10. As the Vikings take their quest for a new home into the overtime of a yet-to-be-scheduled special session of the Legislature, team owner Zygi Wilf spoke to the Pioneer Press about the stadium plan. "Right now, we're working continuously with the legislators and the governor's office with the stadium legislation. We understand the budget is of primary importance, and we're working hard to get all the questions answered." When asked how confident he was that the Legislature will even take up the issue, and how confident is he that the plan will pass, Wilf replied: "We believe we will be part of a special session discussion. We've done our part of everything the legislators have asked of us. We've come here with a local partner in Ramsey County and a site in Arden Hills. Now, we're all working together to come up with a financing plan. We've been here once before, five or six years ago. We realize what's most important is to make sure we have a local partner, and not only do we have a local partner but we have enthusiastic support....But time certainly is of the essence." Source: Pioneer Press
