The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding a new proposal from the University of Minnesota to sell 2,840 acres of the UMore Park property near Rosemount to the state for $9.4 million per year for 25 years.  The state plans to preserve the land for public use and it will be managed by the Department of Natural Resources.  The university plans to use the proceeds from the sale for debt services on a new football stadium to be built on its Minneapolis campus. 

"As a part of this proposal, the state of Minnesota will gain nearly 3,000 acres of pristine land that is within 25 minutes of downtown St. Paul.  The University of Minnesota obtains the funds they need to help support their stadium proposal.

"The bipartisan leadership for this proposal is very encouraging.  I urge legislators to support this win-win for the state and the university."