Phase II Supporters Continue to Work Hard

Conference Committee-Brokered Phase II Language Unworkable
Mall of America Phase II supporters not giving up on legislation to advance largest commercial construction project in state history; 14,000 total jobs

May 14, 2008 – We appreciate the efforts of state leaders to include language in the tax bill supporting the Mall of America Phase II expansion. Unfortunately, in its present form, the bill includes several provisions that make the project unworkable, including conditions that affect the mall’s ability to secure private financing and restrictions on hotel and other developments that are critical to the project.

The new language also shifts the public investment in the project to local sources entirely, which is inconsistent with the project’s regional and statewide impact. The city of Bloomington is valuable partner in the Phase II expansion but its investment should be supported by other jurisdictions that stand to benefit directly from the project.

We are committed to working with state leaders during these few remaining days of the session to do everything possible to reach a viable solution. We appreciate the bipartisan support the project has received and we thank leadership for their ongoing efforts to make Phase II a reality.

The Mall of America expansion would be the largest commercial construction project in state history. The Mall’s private investment of nearly $2 billion is three times larger than this year’s bonding bill. The project would put more than 14,000 Minnesotans to work, including 7,000 construction jobs and another 7,000 permanent positions. When finished, the Mall will be back on top as a leading tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to Minnesota.