The state bonding bill that passed the Minnesota Senate today includes funding for Wade Stadium and NorShor Theatre renovation, and construction of a water-delivery system for Spirit Mountain.
“Restoring Wade Stadium will ensure the iconic ball field will continue to be enjoyed by players and fans for decades to come,” Duluth Mayor Don Ness said in a news release. “The Spirit Mountain water project will allow the ski hill to get off of the city’s treated water, saving money and opening up other potential development in the western part of town. The NorShor Theatre & Arts Center will serve as a catalyst for new development in old downtown.”
- Wade Stadium received $2.3 million for field repairs and reconstruction of the stadium’s crumbling brick walls.
- Spirit Mountain received $3.4 million to acquire land rights and to design and construct a system to deliver water to the ski facilities from the St. Louis River for snow-making purposes.
- The NorShor Theatre received $6.95 million. The renovation is a partnership between Sherman & Associates and the Duluth Economic Development Authority, with productions to be managed by the Duluth Playhouse. The project will result in a 750+ seat theater with a new arts center, music and theater classrooms, workshops and guest services center.
Governor Dayton has agreed to sign the billion-dollar public-works bill into law. It includes $846 million in general obligation bonds with an additional bill that includes $200 million in surplus cash. The three Duluth projects will be funded through surplus cash.
The bonding part of the bill passed 47-17; the cash part passed 44-19.
List of all capital-investment omnibus bills passed by the House and Senate today (PDF)
Eyewitness News lists the bonded projects in northeastern Minnesota
