U of M Board of Regents gives nod to revised stadium plan

Contacts: Daniel Wolter, University News Service, (651) 485-3214 (cell)

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/27/2006) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a plan today that will ultimately create a large metropolitan nature reserve and also provide funding for an on-campus football stadium. The new proposal, which passed on an 11 to 1 vote, replaces the university's current stadium bill.
“This might sound like a simple real estate transaction, but it is a very forward looking proposal that will have a huge impact on our quality of life,” said board Chair Anthony Baraga.
Under the plan, announced late last week by a bipartisan group of legislators, the State of Minnesota will acquire 2,840 acres of the university's UMore Park property near Rosemount in Dakota County at a cost of approximately $9.4 million each year for 25 years. The environmentally sensitive land would become permanently protected by the state for public use.
The university would retain its rights to use the land for its research, education and outreach mission, which University President Robert Bruininks said was consistent with the guiding principles the university set for UMore Park.
Bruininks said the legislation would result in the university being able to reduce the proposed student fee to help pay for the stadium, from $50 per semester to $25 per semester.
“Under this plan, we'll be able to significantly reduce the amount students will be asked to pay for the new stadium,” Bruininks said. “We have a lot of private sector fundraising to do and this proposal provides the momentum we need.”
Bruininks will testify about the proposal before the Senate Higher Education Budget Division on Tuesday at the State Capitol.