Photo: #Fans applaud during a St. Paul Saints game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. The St. Paul City Council on Wednesday has unanimously approved a plan to fund a new downtown ballpark for the team.
Photo: #St. Paul Saints owner Mike Veeck chats with the organist at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. Veeck said that, without improvements, Midway Stadium would have to be torn down in three years.
Photo: #Dennis Hauth feeds the St. Paul Saints mascots at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. Hauth, of Prescott, Wisc., and his wife have been providing pigs for the team for 20 years.
Photo: #Fans watch the St. Paul Saints compete during a game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. Saints President Mike Veeck said that despite the need for improvements to the existing stadium, fans continue to come out and support the team.
Photo: #Sean Aronson, St. Paul Saints director of broadcasting & media relations, works in the front office area of Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012.
Photo: #Workers wash dishes and haul supplies in the concession warehouse and cleaning area at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. Saints President Mike Veeck said the space is too small and needs improvements, including a solution to the water leaks that are currently handled with a tarp-wrapped I-beam.
Photo: #St. Paul Saints coach T.J. Wiesner and players prepare to take the field for a game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. The team is hoping to secure financing for a new stadium which would feature upgraded amenities, including a more spacious and appointed locker room.
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Fans applaud during a St. Paul Saints game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Sunday, June 10, 2012. The St. Paul City Council on Wednesday has unanimously approved a plan to fund a new downtown ballpark for the team. (MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson)
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Funding approved for new St. Paul Saints ballpark

by Rupa Shenoy, Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The city council has unanimously approved a plan to fund a new downtown ballpark for the St. Paul Saints.

St. Paul's financing plan for the $54 million stadium includes $10 million dollars in contributions from the St. Paul Saints and $17 million dollars from the city of St Paul

The resolution approved by the city council also includes an agreement with the St Paul Port Authority to swap the current Midway ballpark site for a Lowertown property adjacent to the St. Paul Farmer's Market.

St. Paul has also applied for $27 million from a state bond fund — more than half the amount of money available in that fund. Dozens of other municipalities have also applied for the money.

City staff said if the state grant doesn't come through, St. Paul would still attempt to acquire the Lowertown site at an estimated cost of $3 million.

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