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ENVIRONMENT <br />• The project will dramatically accelerate the redevelopment and revitalization of the largest Superfund site in the state. The <br />project will also transform a grossly underutilized site into a productive site that will create jobs and economic activity. <br />• Road improvements around the stadium site will decrease traffic congestion, thereby improving air quality. <br />• Modern environmental design principles will be followed in construction of the stadium. <br />OTHER PUBLIC BENEFITS <br />• The stadium will be publicly owned and available for high school /amateur sports and other community events. <br />• Improvements to the state highways and interstates serving the site are long- overdue and needed with or without a stadium. <br />• The stadium parking lot may be used year -round for multiple public uses, including park and ride facilities and recreation. <br />• A multi- purpose, year -round facility will allow the Twin Cities to continue to host events — such as the Super Bowl — and visitors <br />from across Minnesota and beyond. <br />PUBLIC SAFEGUARDS <br />• The stadium will be owned and controlled by a 5- member public stadium authority. <br />• The Vikings will operate and maintain the facility and pay approximately 90% of operating and maintenance expenses. <br />• The Vikings will cover all cost overruns on construction and a portion of any cost overruns on land acquisition and remediation. <br />• There is a profit- sharing agreement if the team is sold within 10 years. <br />• The Vikings will commit to a 30 -year lease and pay for all municipal services, including police, traffic, fire, trash removal, etc. The <br />lease will have no early termination provisions and will not allow the Vikings to relocate. <br />SALES TAX COMPARISONS <br />Even with a half -cent sales tax to fund stadium development, it will still be cheaper to buy a hamburger and cup of coffee in St. <br />Paul than it already is in Minneapolis. The sales tax increase is equivalent to a nickel on a $10 purchase. The rate comparison: <br />• Minneapolis: 10.775% (with food and beverage tax, current) <br />• St. Paul: 8.125% (with proposed % cent stadium tax) <br />• Suburban Ramsey County: 7.625% (with proposed %] cent stadium tax) <br />• Suburban Hennepin County: 7.275% (current) <br />Prepared by Ramsey County, May 2011 <br />