Time running out for Vikings stadium deal, backers say

Backers of a new Vikings stadium may have only days to wrap up a deal to finance and build a home for the NFL franchise.

Bill sponsors say they may set a deadline as early as Tuesday for Ramsey County and the team to close a $131 million funding gap in their deal. That's what state officials say it would cost to upgrade roads in the area to handle stadium traffic.

Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, says lawmakers are running out of time before a looming government shutdown at the end of the month.

"Unless we can resolve those issues that remain ... by the end of next week, we're simply not going to be able to move forward," Lanning said, adding that time is needed to revise the legislation.

The Vikings say they'll have a plan, using parking and concession surcharges, and possibly money from the Metropolitan Council's Transportation Advisory Board, to help close the gap.