News Release State Senator Roger J. Reinert District 07 325 Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 Telephone (651) 296-4188 sen.roger.reinert@senate.mn Date: July 12, 2012

Reinert Supports Duluth’s Bid for Public Works Funding

The City of Duluth has recently submitted two requests for public works funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Capital Project Grant Program. The $47.5 million pot was allocated from this year’s bonding bill to DEED to support local projects around the state.

In the request, the City is asking for $5.8 million to go towards much-needed Wade Stadium renovations and another $10 million for the construction of a new parking ramp downtown.

Wade Stadium is seeking state support to make a number of improvements to the grandstand and field at the stadium, including upgrades to the field’s drainage system. The estimated $11.6 million project has already received the city’s pledge for a one-to-one match on the total cost of the project; however, lack of state investment has put the project on hold.

“The Wade is a regional landmark,” said Senator Roger Reinert, “the project has the financial backing of the city and the support of the community, which makes the bid a strong contender.”

Late last month, Duluth announced its proposal to build a 15-story building in partnership with AtWater Group LLC. The structure would house both office and retails spaces, and is expected to cost $80 million. The project is contingent on the receipt of a $20 million public contribution. The $10 million grant request for the building’s parking ramp construction would cover half of the project’s public commitment.

“This new project would be a significant addition to our western downtown community,” said Senator Reinert.

The Capital Project Grant Program has nearly a dozen criteria to consider while reading through the 90 total proposals received. DEED expects to have final awards announced by the end of the summer.

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