Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re having a wonderful fall! As the seasons change, as you can see, so too are leaf colors around the state. As various areas reach their peak, the Minnesota DNR has a Fall Color Finder tool to plan a road trip, along with status updates from our state parks.
Capital Investment Committee Visit
Last week, I was honored to welcome the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee to the Iron Range. The committee took a three-day tour of northeastern Minnesota to visit sites of proposals from colleges and universities, public safety facilities, water treatment plants, community centers, and agency offices to improve, renovate, and strengthen our public assets.
Here on the Range, my colleagues visited Chisholm’s ice arena and curling club, the Minnesota Discovery Center, Redhead Mountain Bike Park, the Hibbing Fire Department, Itasca Community College and more. I’m grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle taking time to visit our region to learn about our infrastructure needs. Investments in projects like those my colleagues learned about last week will strengthen our communities and create new economic opportunities. With interest rates remaining low, and an excellent state credit rating, we have a great opportunity to fund infrastructure improvements all across the state.
PFA Grants
Many of the most pressing infrastructure needs involve water infrastructure. Every Minnesotan deserves access to safe drinking water and communities with healthy waterways. The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority recently announced a package of $124 million worth of water and infrastructure projects in 24 communities across the state. The package includes $9,780,034 worth of financing for the city of Nashwauk to expand the treatment facility and phosphorus treatment improvements as part of Phase 1 of the East Itasca Joint Powers Board regional wastewater system. Additionally, as part of the same project, the PFA announced a $1,725,601 grant for the city of Keewatin toward a lift station and forcemain to connect the wastewater treatment plant in Nashwauk.
Congratulations to the local leaders and citizens for securing funding for these important projects.
Dylan Rock Dedication + Other Events Saturday
This coming Saturday, October 16 as part of Hibbing Dylan Project events, we will gather to dedicate the Bob Dylan Rock on the Mesabi Bike Trail. I’m honored to have the opportunity to share some remarks. We will gather at 11:15 a.m. at the trail’s Hibbing Kiosk (1101 3rd Ave E) next to the Bus Museum.
At 1 p.m., the Dylan Tribute on the west lawn of Hibbing High School will be unveiled. From 4-7 p.m., Bill Pagel’s Bob Dylan collection will be on display at the Hibbing Historical Museum. Finally, at 7 p.m., the Hibbing Memorial Building’s Little Theater will host a free concert. As an added bonus, the Hull Rust Mine view will reopen for the day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. I hope you can participate in all or some of the festivities!
MVP Survey
The last year and a half have been full of tremendous difficulties for workers, students, families, and businesses. As we look ahead to the 2022 legislative session, my colleagues and I are trying to hear directly from Minnesotans to learn about their challenges and how we can build a brighter future for our state.
You’re invited to take the 2021 Minnesota Values Project Survey. In this short, four-question survey, we’re looking to learn more about what’s going well for you and your family, as well as your aspirations, fears, and roadblocks. Please take a few minutes to take the survey. Your feedback is valuable, and I hope we have many responses from our region.
Please continue to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Together,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative