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State Representative Jim Abeler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1729
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
PRESS RELEASE
REPRESENTATIVE ABELER SHOWS MINNESOTA NICE TO MINNESOTA TWINS
St. Paul - In response to what has been snail-like progress on getting the new Twins stadium to become a reality, Rep. Jim Abeler (R - Anoka/Ramsey) has introduced legislation (HF 2418) to allow the placement of the new open-air stadium in the City of Ramsey.
Despite news of the recent "breakthrough" where the Hennepin County will condemn the land and have to pay an undetermined price for the privilege of cramming the stadium into a postage stamp size lot next to a garbage burner, Abeler says this new option just might make sense.
Abeler points out that the City of Ramsey has a lot of open space of which would require neither condemnation, nor negotiation with the tough-as-nails Burlington Northern Railroad. Plus, he says, the city is eager to attract new industries in an area noted for its clean air and open spaces. "The game day experience could include a canoe ride on the wild Rum River or a hike by the Trott Brook. These low cost options could make an outing to the Twins game a true family experience."
Also, he points out, on those chilly game days, the additional time outdoors would help game attendees acclimate to the frosty or torrid game time temperatures made possible by the stadium’s open-air design.
Even though he admitted that he has spent little time working with the Twins organization on this proposal, Abeler felt that the team could find merit in it. "This project must be underway and costs are increasing by the day. In true Minnesota tradition, when we see somebody stalled on the highway, we stop and help them out. In the same way, with the stadium project stalled out and over budget, how can the City of Ramsey sit idly by and not come to the aid of this true statewide Minnesota resource?"
The financing mechanism would remain the same. Abeler remarked that he expected that the City of Ramsey would be fully comfortable in allowing the new Hennepin County sales tax revenues to be used for this project. "I expect we wouldn't charge them any extra for the larger site and the fresh air," he explained.
The Hennepin County Board has yet to comment on this proposal
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