ST. PAUL, MN – On September 5, 2017, Rep. Barb Haley (R-Red Wing) hosted the Capital Investment Committee on a tour of the Lake City Marina, the National Eagle Center, and Mount Frontenac to learn more about proposed capital improvement projects at these locations.
“Maintaining and improving current infrastructure is important for growing and sustaining a local economy, especially in Greater Minnesota,” said Haley.
The proposed projects near Lake City Marina would consist of reconstructing Highway 61 to provide a safer space for pedestrians on both sides of the road and to improve storm water remediation. Additional area enhancements seek to create more recreational access to Lake Pepin, develop a bicycle/pedestrian trail and improve the infrastructure around the Marina.
The National Eagle Center, which attracts 83,000 visitors from around the world annually, is looking to increase its physical and economic presence in Wabasha by requesting state funds to expand its exhibit space, build an outdoor amphitheater, and renovate and repurpose four historic Main Street buildings to showcase a world-renowned eagle art collection.
An Olympic ski jump, called Baldly125, is being proposed to be built at Mount Frontenac. Baldy125 would serve as training facility for the U.S. Nordic Ski Team and would host international ski competitions. The area would also be developed for other recreational activities, including zip lines, inner-tube runs, and cross-country skiing.
“We want our local communities to be competitive not only within Minnesota, but next door with cities in Wisconsin as well, in order to ensure we can be a top destination for tourism and business,” Haley said. “I want Minnesotan’s to think of our region as the ‘South Shore’ of Minnesota – just like they value the North Shore along Lake Superior as a destination spot.”
These projects would be funded by a combination of state and local dollars, as well as through private donations.
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