Minneapolis city officials say they want $30 million if the Metrodome is sold. Vikings officials are counting on that money to offset costs to build a new stadium in Arden Hills. Mayor R.T. Rybak says city residents have contributed millions of dollars in taxes for the Dome and are due a return. A Vikings vice president says it’ll be up to state elected leaders to sort out the issue.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $473 million in unspent highway earmarks from 2003 to 2006 and allowing states to use the money on any eligible project this year. Minnesota's share is $11.2 million. The Business Journal writes the state must identify the projects that will be funded by this money by Oct. 1.

Minnesota has been awarded $15.5 million in federal funding to offer small businesses loans in hopes of boosting the local economy. The money is part of President Obama's Small Business Jobs Act, which was signed into law last year.

City officials say merging the two funds will save Minneapolis property tax payers tens-of-millions of dollars a year. Mayor R.T. Rybak says the savings from the merger will help support no increases in the city's property tax levy.