Mediator to Help With $15 Million in Disputed Stadium Costs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - About $15 million in disputed construction costs for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium could be settled with the help of a mediator.

Contractor M.A. Mortenson Co. applied for mediation after the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority balked at the $15 million. The authority is overseeing construction of the $1 billion stadium on behalf of taxpayers. The public is covering about half the cost of the new stadium, which is expected to open next summer.

Reports say the contracting company has also applied for arbitration if mediation is unsuccessful.