Local Legislator Appointed to Commission Overseeing Vikings Stadium Construction

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Editor's Note: The following is a press release from District 52B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL). Atkins represents Inver Grove Heights and Sunfish Lake, plus portions of Eagan and Mendota Heights.

A local lawmaker will have a key role in overseeing construction of the $975 million Minnesota Vikings stadium.

State Rep. Joe Atkins, who represents Inver Grove Heights, Eagan and Mendota Heights in the Minnesota House, was appointed by Speaker of the House Paul Thissen to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities last week. The bipartisan, 12-member commission is tasked with overseeing the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority's budget and management. That is the authority responsible for the massive stadium construction project on the Metrodome site.

"I take this responsibility very seriously," said Atkins.  "Regardless of whether folks supported a Vikings stadium or not, everyone wants it to finish on time and on budget.  I'm committed to doing all I can to make sure that happens."

The committee is comprised of six senators and six representatives, half Republicans and half Democrats. The terms are for two years, and the commission is expected to present a report to the Legislature on Jan. 15 of even-numbered years.