Twins' ballpark tax will rub off on youth sports

Associated Press

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 7:46 AM

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ST. PAUL, Minn. - Competition is fierce for grants toward youth sports facilities in Hennepin County, an offshoot of legislation used to build the new Minnesota Twins ballpark.

Staff for the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission staff is evaluating $6.7 million in grant applications that came in by an early November deadline. They'll make recommendations to county commissioners about how to whittle the list down to $2 million or less. The grants will range from $10,000 to $400,000 apiece.

When the county's sales tax went up to help finance the Twins ballpark, officials said they would set aside some proceeds for library and youth sports programs.

Potential projects include baseball, soccer and football fields as well as skate parks, disc golf courses and trails.