Contractor: Vikings Stadium Could be Done by 2015

ST. PAUL  (AP) - A construction firm involved in planning a proposed Minnesota Vikings stadium is refuting a report that it couldn't be built by the 2015 football season.

An executive for Mortenson Construction told state leaders Tuesday that a construction schedule premised on a 2015 opening is "very adequate" as long as a stadium bill passes this fall and there are prompt regulatory approvals.

His letter is meant to allay concerns about an Arden Hills site favored by the Vikings.

A state report released previously called the timeline "aggressive" and "unrealistic" while raising fears of costly overruns.

The Vikings are pushing for public financing toward a new stadium.

Lawmakers haven't pinned down how to pay for a portion of the $1 billion cost.

The Vikings have four games remaining on their Metrodome lease.