Officials Put Design of St. Paul Park Out for Bid

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - St. Paul leaders are putting the design of the St. Paul Saints' new ballpark out for bid.

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota and Republican activist Greg Copeland filed a lawsuit last week, arguing the city awarded a design-build contract to the Ryan Cos. in violation of competitive bidding laws.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent the start of construction and force a bidding process.

City officials had previously said the project was exempt from the bidding process.

But city officials announced Wednesday a request for proposals will be issued on Nov. 30.

Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement they did it in the interest of transparency.

The $52 million stadium is expected to open in 2015.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)