GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL!
Mayor Coleman commends Mortenson, MNUFC for exceeding workforce and business inclusion goals on Allianz Field project
SAINT PAUL — Mayor Chris Coleman today announced that Mortenson Construction is exceeding goals set for workforce inclusion and for contracting with small, women, and minority-owned businesses on the construction of Allianz Field, the new Major League Soccer stadium in the Midway neighborhood.
"Investment and job creation in Saint Paul should benefit all residents,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “The private investment of a $200 million Major League Soccer stadium in the Midway neighborhood is creating new job growth. This project has already created thousands of hours of construction jobs, and will support new permanent jobs once built. I am grateful to our partners, Mortenson and the Minnesota United FC, as well as my colleagues on the City Council, for pursuing and delivering on these important inclusion goals.”
The workforce diversity goals were set forth as part of the development and use agreement negotiated between the City of Saint Paul and MNUFC in 2016. The goals were reiterated as part of resolution passed by the Saint Paul City Council in August 2016, outlining community benefits pertaining to this redevelopment.
The workforce inclusion goal outlines participation percentages of hours worked on the job site by people of color and women. A recent report from Mortensen notes actual participation levels at 43% and 12% respectively through July 2017.
The business inclusion goal lays out participation by small businesses on at least 25% of available subcontracts. As of July 2017, small business subcontracts represent 26% of the total available.
“We are committed to having Allianz Field built for Minnesota by Minnesotans through the inclusion of a diverse local trade workforce and many small, women and minority-owned businesses,” said Kendall Griffith, vice president and general manager at Mortenson. “Our goal is to maximize the construction dollars returned to Minnesota and we’re working with the local community to do so.”
Allianz Field will be the new home of the Minnesota United FC, an MLS soccer team. The 346,000 square foot facility will offer seating for nearly 20,000 fans, including 25 suites, 38 semi-private loge boxes, and four club rooms. Designed by Populous, the stadium will incorporate the latest amenities and technology while being sustainably designed to minimize environmental impact and energy usage.
"While still at a relatively early stage of work, the positive impact of the new stadium on the area is beginning to emerge. Construction-related jobs, both at the site as well as elsewhere, are one such advance,” said Bill McGuire, the lead owner for MNUFC. “The emerging plans for new development in the Midway, increased business interest in the area for the future, and greater awareness of the community itself among individuals and families are all positive signs for what is to come in future years.”
“Local 49 is happy to contribute to the workforce goals at the stadium site,” said Jason George, Political Director of IOUE Local 49. “These are good-paying middle-class jobs for 49ers from across our region. Our members are proud to build another important addition to the vitality of Saint Paul in Allianz Field.”
Mortenson estimates that over 10,000 hours have been currently worked on the site. A report outlining August hours will be available in the coming weeks and additional project information can be found at www.mortenson.com.
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