Rochester Representatives Welcome Capital Investment Committee to District, Advocate for Local Projects
St. Paul, MN – Rochester State Representatives Tina Liebling, Kim Hicks, and Andy Smith (all DFL-Rochester) welcomed the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee to Rochester this week as part of the committee’s Southeast tour to view projects for possible inclusion in the 2024 bonding bill.
“At the Capitol, we can testify about the need for infrastructure improvements, but it was important for the committee to see the projects in person and for us to make our case directly,” said Rep. Hicks. “I was pleased to host the Capital Investment Committee and I look forward to advocating for inclusion of our projects in the 2024 bonding bill.”
The committee toured Riverfront Public Realm, a three-acre site along the Zumbro River, to redevelop for multi-use, including recreation and education. This project will work to connect downtown to the river and offer opportunities for the community.
“Projects like the Riverfront Public Realm and Redevelopment plan are exactly the direction our city should be moving. Creating more public space for residents and visitors will make our city more vibrant and spur economic development in our downtown,” said Rep. Smith. “I thank the Capital Investment Committee for their visit, and I am looking forward to working with the City of Rochester to advocate for this project and more next session.”
They also stopped at Graham Park, which includes construction of facilities and amenities to support and facilitate open-air performances, community events, cultural connections, a covered pavilion, and adaptive reuse of historic structures on the property. Graham Park hosts many community events including the fair, farmers market, hockey tournaments, celebrations, and so much more.
"2024 will be an important year for infrastructure projects across the state, with every community vying for their share of investment. This was a great opportunity to highlight our top projects," said Rep. Liebling. "I will continue to push for investment in these projects to ensure they are included in the final bonding package."
The committee stopped at the Resource Recovery and Carbon Capture facility and learned about Olmsted County's recently adopted 10-year solid waste management plan which identifies strategies for rethinking "waste" and addressing materials in terms of resource management. The project involves capturing material and carbon for a resource.
Lastly, they visited the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) Heintz Center, hearing about a renovation project to modernize facilities and support equity in industry and public safety. They also heard from the Rochester International Airport which is seeking funding for the reconstruction of a parking lot and the addition of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, as well as a funding request for Lake Zumbro Park.
[PHOTO]: Representatives Liebling, Hicks, and Smith with members of the House Capital Investment Committee in downtown Rochester.The 2024 legislative session convenes at noon on February 12.
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