APPLE VALLEY, MN—Representative Anna Wills, R-Apple Valley, and members of the House Capital Investment Committee toured the Minnesota Zoo Thursday to get an up-close look at the Zoo's behind-the-scenes operations and hear about the Zoo's bonding request which includes asset preservation for exhibits and infrastructure, funding to complete Phase II of the Heart of the Zoo project, and will renovate the snow monkey exhibit and surrounding public spaces.
The House Capital Investment Committee has been touring the state over the past month, visiting local bonding projects that will be under consideration for inclusion in a potential bonding bill expected to be considered during the 2016 legislative session.
In 2014 the Zoo received $12 million in bonding funds; $7 million for asset preservation and exhibit renovation, and $5 million for Phase II of the Zoo's Heart of the Zoo Entry pavilion.
"It was great to welcome members of the bonding committee to Apple Valley today, and for them to see first-hand what operations are like behind-the-scenes and to understand the impact the Zoo has on our community and the state of Minnesota," Wills said. "The Zoo has an annual economic impact of more than $146 million statewide, and provides 300 full-time and seasonal jobs. I hope to see the Zoo's request included in any bonding proposal next year, and will be working closely with my colleagues to make that a reality."
The 2016 legislative session will begin Tuesday, March 08 2016.
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