St. Paul Officials Oppose Ramsey-Vikings Stadium Plan

ST. PAUL (AP) - The proposal to build a new Minnesota Vikings stadium in Ramsey County is running into stiff opposition from elected officials in its largest city.

Six of seven St. Paul City Council members oppose a proposed half-cent county sales tax to help fund construction of a stadium in Arden Hills. The council can't stop the Ramsey County Board from raising the tax but may take a non-binding vote against it anyway.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue says 47 percent of Ramsey County's taxable sales come from St. Paul. Several council members say their constituents shouldn't shoulder such a large tax burden for little direct gain in return.

The Arden Hills proposal was unresolved when the Legislature adjourned last week but could be revived in a special session.