ST. PAUL, MN –State Representative Jim Davnie (DFL – Minneapolis) has been appointed to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities by House Speaker Paul Thissen. Also appointed to the commission were Representatives Kim Norton (DFL – Rochester) and Joe Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights).
“I am honored and excited to be a part of this commission,” said Rep. Davnie. “The Vikings stadium is important to folks in the Twin Cities and across the state. I intend to make sure taxpayers are getting a good deal.”
The state’s $348 million share of the $975 million Vikings stadium is meant to be funded by new electronic pull-tab devices installed in bars and restaurants. Tax revenue from the games has returned only $17.2 million since their September install, falling $18 million short of projected revenues.
“I certainly am concerned with the lack of revenue,” said Rep. Davnie. “The state is responsible for a large sum of money and we are going to have to find a way to fund the project.”
Other concerns that the commission must address include overseeing the selection and implementation of the Vikings stadium plans.
“We need to make sure that this facility is state-of-the-art, attracts a national audience and promotes the state as a destination,” commented Rep. Davnie. “As the Minneapolis Representative on the panel, I need to make sure that we can incorporate this stadium into our urban fabric so we can see area development that we never had with the Metrodome.”
In addition to handling the new Vikings stadium, the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities will oversee all other public professional sports venues in the state.
“It is a big priority of mine to investigate how we can better coordinate Minnesota sports facilities so that we can have a stronger sports sector and get the best return on public investments for taxpayers,” said Rep. Davnie.
Rep. Davnie can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0173 or by email at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn.
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