Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty Vetoed Bill For New Wild Practice Rink

Pawlenty Scolds St. Paul Officials For Making Rink Higher Priority Than Police, Firefighters

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty "vetoed a $262[M] economic development bill that would have given" St. Paul a state subsidy for the city's proposed new downtown hockey rink, The Pond, according to Bill Salisbury of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS. The bill "would have forgiven more than $32[M] of a state loan that helped St. Paul build the Xcel Energy Center." The city then "would use the savings to finance a new ice arena across" from Xcel Energy Center to be used for Wild practices, amateur hockey and figure skating. Pawlenty "scolded St. Paul officials for making a hockey rink a higher priority than police and firefighters." St. Paul officials have said that they "would have to cut public safety funding if [Pawlenty] reduces state aid to the city" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 5/8).

FORWARD PROGRESS: The Vikings said that stadium conversations with state legislative leaders for a new facility "have improved in recent weeks, and although there will be no public approval this session, talks will continue after the session in preparation for next year" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 5/8).