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Stadium land impasse could lengthen timeline
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - 2:46 PM CST Friday, February 16, 2007 by John Vomhof Jr.Staff Writer

Delays related to acquiring the land for a new $522 million Minnesota Twins ballpark will put added strain on the project's timeline and could lead to increased construction costs, officials said at the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) on Friday.

Dan Mehls, a construction executive for Golden Valley-based M.A. Mortenson Co., said he is "optimistic, but concerned" about meeting key milestones for the project, as Hennepin County and the owners of the Rapid Park site remain at an impasse in negotiations.

The first bid pack for the construction work on the project -- including site preparation and utility relocation -- is slated to go out Feb. 21, but is on hold until the county acquires the land. That work must be completed before pile driving can begin in August.

"Hopefully we can take 'pause' to 'fast-forward' and get this thing moving," Mehls said.

The construction schedule could be accelerated, if necessary, but that would require additional equipment and overtime for workers. A one-week delay would cost thousands of dollars; a month-long delay would cost tens of thousands, Mehls said.

Ed Hunter, ballpark project manager for the MBA, said brief delays give officials time to revise plans, making them more efficient and cost-effective. It is critical, however, that work begin within the next couple months, he said.

"We're not ready to throw in the towel yet," he said.

Meanwhile, the MBA reported that it is making progress in its negotiations with the Twins on a 30-year use agreement for the new ballpark.

"While all that [land-acquisition] conversation is taking place, the rest of the project continues on pace," MBA Chairman Steve Cramer said.

jvomhof@bizjournals.com | (612) 288-2101