The biggest of Minnesota United FC’s three requests for state assistance to help build a privately-financed $150 million stadium in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood will have a key Senate floor vote Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Senate Tax Committee passed a tax-related measure, including property tax exemptions for the pro soccer team’s proposed stadium at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Snelling Avenue.

“That’s great news,” bill sponsor, Sen. Sandy Pappas, told the Pioneer Press. “We certainly expected this.The soccer stadium is very popular on both sides of the aisle, and we think that as long as we have tax bills that are moving in the Senate, we have a really good chance to be in the final bill.” Related Articles Houston Dynamo scores twice in 2nd half to tie Minnesota United

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United and Pappas, a DFLer from St. Paul, also have requested sales tax breaks on construction materials, but that request was not added before the Senate committee’s vote Tuesday.

Pappas said that she has been assured that the sales tax breaks for the stadium will be inserted into the bill during conference committee.

“I’m confident that we will get the sales tax exemption in the end,” she said.

United’s third request, a liquor license at the stadium, will be part of a bill set for a House floor vote Thursday.

BOOST FOR MIDWAY

Minnesota United considers the three requests vital in order to build a glass-encased, 21,500-seat stadium in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. The stadium would be the team’s home after it makes the jump to Major League Soccer, the sport’s top tier in the U.S. and Canada.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has been a big supporter of the project, which would fill a vacant lot in one of the city’s most prominent locations. There are also plans to replace an adjacent shopping center with a mix of commercial, residential and park space.

The city plans to contribute more than $18 million to public infrastructure around the stadium, including new streets, sewers and green space. If construction begins this summer, the stadium could open in time for the 2018 season.

The site is the former Metro Transit “bus barn,” which has been off the tax rolls for at least 50 years. Metro Transit’s storage facility was torn down in 2002, leaving a neglected asphalt lot in its place.

Proposals in the Legislature would be a continuation of keeping it from paying property taxes. Meanwhile, the club and City of St. Paul say, the stadium would provide an infusion of business and residential development to the neighborhood.

OTHER STADIUMS GOT BREAKS

The new soccer home would be the latest in a string of stadiums and arenas to be built in the Twin Cities recently.

All six stadium and arena constructions or remodels in the Twin Cities since 1998 have had property tax exemptions.

Half of those projects — U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, Target Field for the Minnesota Twins and TCF Bank Stadium for the University of Minnesota — had sales tax breaks granted on construction materials. The St. Paul Saints’ CHS Field, Minnesota Wild’s Xcel Energy Center and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Target Center renovation did not have sales tax exemptions awarded.

And while those past projects relied heavily on taxpayer support to be built, Minnesota United is footing the bill for its stadium’s construction.

The club says its three requests at the Legislature need to be met for Minnesota to be granted an expansion franchise in as soon as 2017. If passed, construction could begin on the stadium later this summer with a proposed opening in time for the 2018 season.

The soccer club currently plays home matches in the second-tier North American Soccer League at the National Sports Center in Blaine. United would seek a temporary home for the 2017 season, with TCF Bank Stadium as a leading candidate.