Minnesota Senate vote clears Vikings for new stadium

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of getting a new stadium after the state Senate approved a plan that relies heavily on public financing.

Gov. Mark Dayton has said he'll sign the measure, which makes Thursday's Senate approval the final hurdle for the nearly $1 billion stadium. The House passed it overnight.

The team has been chasing a new stadium for nearly a decade. Dayton led the charge this year, fearing the team might leave the state if it didn't get a replacement for the 30-year-old Metrodome.

Under the bill, the team's future in Minnesota would be guaranteed for three decades.

The Vikings would pay 49 percent of construction costs. The public expense is high: $348 million for the state and $150 million for the city of Minneapolis.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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