[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6324993,"mediaKeyId","2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342","parentId",2335183,"title","Moorhead leaders ask state support for Cultural Mall project; committee lays SF907 over","audioSeconds",298,"startMs",425000,"endMs",723000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342&start=425&end=723","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342/thumbnail_425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324993/Minnesota/Moorhead-leaders-ask-state-support-for-Cultural-Mall-project-committee-lays-SF907-over","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324993-93a9dfce849e353ed7e248253973fcea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174100&Signature=HDzgCDnpAlTzhYp3jTG5EEyJMlm5SSgzdzv5fDrQIrv8qMGbfmuUfHFf~xj0oBw9cb5HMldx-HyNy1DNqwxc-ebh4K8nMHevFpxHKDTKtpll0uPRPm1y-r7ir2laCos9y9kCSmiIF-VWSh3baF5mhcmXBz6hHc8X8XWJ334DBIHUWtSUMQ5oG7XONREMVjML1jx34e-tuvZpRVRQQqg2VDGimoj8sJq4Quiwea1-pQ0eoiZWHdDkv2R~uWMd5-BB8iYf2Y0Cq5-zeHjjkEmyNUc~MGCO8snJKMvo-akm1jgPOBM403V8RTDeZZA3igNUaXAlVaNacFpCcYIFX8O2Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Senate Media Services","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Senate File 907, a request to support a Moorhead Cultural Mall led by the Immigrant Development Center, drew multiple in‑person and remote testimonies to the Minnesota Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy on Tuesday. Representatives from Moorhead city government, businesses, regional chambers and immigrant community organizations described the mall as a multicultural hub intended to support small businesses, cultural programming and downtown revitalization.

Senator Sarah Kupak introduced the measure, noting Moorhead's rapid growth and demographic change. Fawzia Adi, executive director of the Immigrant Development Center, told the committee the total project cost is $7 million and the organization is requesting $4 million from the state. \"We are working with partners and private fundraising to secure the building and to revitalize our downtown,\" Adi said. Mayor Shelly Carlson of Moorhead, economic and fundraising partners and residents described local support and the project's anticipated economic and social benefits.

Committee members queried program details and funding mechanics. Senator Green asked whether a specific building had been selected; Kupak said a building has been identified. Committee members also asked about PACE Fundraising's role and whether legacy funds would pay consultant fees; witnesses said local funders paid PACE for the feasibility study and PACE would not take fees from state legacy funds.

Senator Eichhorn raised jurisdictional questions about whether bonding would be an appropriate vehicle for a nonprofit project; Kupak said bonding had been pursued previously but the committee was considering legacy support instead. Several witnesses emphasized private fundraising and local match efforts.

The committee laid Senate File 907 over for possible inclusion in the legacy omnibus bill and requested clearer budget line items and whether the project will be eligible for bonding or legacy funding when it returns for further consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","Witnesses told the Senate committee that the Moorhead Cultural Mall — a multicultural marketplace and gathering space proposed by the Immigrant Development Center — would support immigrant‑owned small businesses and downtown revitalization; legislators asked budget and delivery questions.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324978,"Clean Water Council presents $310 million recommendations for 2026–27; committee discusses planning and equity",940,4403000,5343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342&start=4403&end=5343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342/thumbnail_4403000.jpg","/articles/6324978/Minnesota/Clean-Water-Council-presents-310-million-recommendations-for-202627-committee-discusses-planning-and-equity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324978-856e114b60c832255e49dc6cf8515b4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174100&Signature=UT5mB3CNFeBdw682xyezBjofWJf6VaqHkHoRnnJtrVUvscu1F9HCf9O6LGQxON73T3Oug0SgUYfpvuqG628ZxadkfIftSOhnT~YjnvtVOjg-~fVQm~WMrMsu7Jyc815PBOlfVsw4Cl3cm3ZfZOUAaM76vykCLCvKDIrLBSTSeJu0cU8MRCl5lccnzAfeC1zLPioeI0F8l7xOJqTueQyYg6N5oDBfWLkvyd1vTUv7o1nTavwGoQAfbb5EgMKsOh8pkQmOtGa9yapnXoObUNc73NVzMMl36N3pDagYVDsEw5nsn3ptxD1PaBsPLCT-bVsJPmFrFgEahzhgeOVhdWJL7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota Clean Water Council presented its recommendations for fiscal 2026–27 to the Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy, outlining proposed investments of roughly $310 million for statewide water protection, restoration and drinking‑water source programs.

Council chair John Barton and administrator Paul Gardner described the council’s watershed‑based approach: monitor and assess waters, develop watershed plans that list prioritized actions and estimated costs, then fund projects in the plans to achieve water‑quality standards over multi‑year timelines. Gardner said more watersheds now have “shovel‑ready” projects and the council proposed increased funding for projects identified in completed watershed plans, expanded soil‑health investments, support for private well testing, and a $500,000 tribal grant set‑aside. The council also recommended continued support for drinking water supply management areas and local technical assistance through Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other partners.

Senators asked about technical details and equity. Senator Kunesh sought clarification on how monitoring and assessment results are converted into action; Gardner described the monitoring→assessment→watershed restoration protection strategy (WRAPS) workflow and said each major watershed will have a plan showing prioritized actions and costs. Gardner confirmed agencies consult with tribal governments and noted specific tribal grant programs and cooperative monitoring arrangements; he also said the council has catalogued tribal collaborations in its full report. Senators raised questions about federal funding uncertainty and how Clean Water Fund allocations leverage or replace federal grants; Gardner said the Clean Water Fund both supports core work and is used to leverage federal programs but that uncertainty about federal grants could reduce total leverage.

Committee members asked for data detail on impaired waters and pollutant concentrations. Gardner said staff can provide granular monitoring data and that an impaired‑waters listing signals a standard exceedance—not necessarily an acute toxicity event—and that prioritization focuses on public‑benefit outcomes such as drinking water and recreational uses. The council emphasized long‑term planning across watersheds and urged the legislature to consider the recommendations as a coordinated, science‑based approach to protecting Minnesota’s waters.","The Minnesota Clean Water Council asked the Senate committee to support approximately $310 million in recommended investments for 2026–27, aimed at watershed restoration, soil health, and drinking‑water source protection.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324983,"Lawmakers hear proposal to create grants for Black farmers; A‑1 amendment adopted and bill laid over",69,2714000,2783000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342&start=2714&end=2783","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342/thumbnail_2714000.jpg","/articles/6324983/Minnesota/Lawmakers-hear-proposal-to-create-grants-for-Black-farmers-A1-amendment-adopted-and-bill-laid-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324983-174927a878628112e8a3187d7ba98e7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174100&Signature=etBealAmIckV3atCRYRbMUftt4cy4uzFf5~H2Sfknmtr~eRtXpp~iUu3ogzdHfty71W4SQ68Z-tzKbsfZC61qvuFs7GYOlEtJrVW56MipaYdSxaUQqBtRktQFjw9gjxDPDbkYwOTh2010NUWIDy-rVaMe8~8l3tE63rELuGYHUK5ZGsB~m~qayy5gOJgGiTd1Zomo38FABJAJtLP60lvqmPcwOmL5f3gtQCp7HsrMXDCHTKOMRRDPlIkRPWLeghDVegIu7Fnrq9lP8~ZPcJZBnjpEEgiW7d2ZPr1wvUqThw8NdSEWpy60zRMhLgptsR7gUQmb7TcWkx8dbOZzq65kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate File 1387, which would direct grants to support Minnesota Black farmers through a fiscal agent, received testimony and an amendment Tuesday before the Minnesota Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy. Senator Hoffman presented an A‑1 amendment that identified a fiscal agent and widened eligible beneficiaries; the committee adopted the A‑1 amendment by voice vote and then heard testimony from farmer advocates and cooperative leaders.

The bill’s sponsor described the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) as the proposed fiscal agent and explained that grants would support historically and culturally significant Black farms, upgrade infrastructure and expand educational and tourism opportunities. Angela Dawson of the 40 Acre Cooperative, Yaya Cochran of Mahogany Farms and Peace Mitchell (testifying remotely) explained farm‑level needs including greenhouse repairs, hay processing and equipment access. Testimony emphasized the cultural and historical importance of multi‑generational Black farms and described outreach and education that connect urban communities to agricultural sites.

Committee members pressed for fiscal detail. Senators asked about NDC administrative fees, the Black Farmers Association’s organizational history and whether matching funds exist. Witnesses described the association as roughly two years old while several member farms have longer histories; they said NDC has past experience as a fiscal agent and that detailed administrative fee levels would be provided to the committee. Senator Acorn noted the apparent gap between prior reported gross receipts (under $50,000 in recent IRS filings) and the scale of funds requested, and Senator Eichhorn suggested caution on doubling the ask until more financial detail is submitted.

The committee adopted the A‑1 amendment and laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus package. Members requested a clearer budget, information about administrative fees and documentation of fundraising or matching commitments before further committee action.","Senate File 1387 would create grants to support historically Black farmers through a fiscal agent; an A‑1 amendment clarifying fiscal agent and eligible farms was adopted by voice vote. Committee members questioned scale, administrative fees and organizational capacity; the file was laid over for possible inclusion.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324988,"Minnesota Zoo seeks legacy funding to expand access and accessibility; committee lays SF1411 over",303,1770000,2073000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342&start=1770&end=2073","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342/thumbnail_1770000.jpg","/articles/6324988/Minnesota/Minnesota-Zoo-seeks-legacy-funding-to-expand-access-and-accessibility-committee-lays-SF1411-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324988-62ddd9782cbf2a048f3630004889bc77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174100&Signature=OpEW~053s3Pjxfz7o03IHJRrlW-zd~9yf1FczG0FBMtNz2fTA-14GTtAPOkgbdrmtaFEeVxKCb1sScluUwJE9diJkdY6PVGNePUcmyb2mk7OfzRwhYvgGelSSA7P130fFomhJI56eTtGFTDsWe~Ert9UVpCVAqQUXwL34EiFJiuoEC0Rc1CcVQ966rHGyYq~GFYWSY69vG3Az8gAXfAfiUp5CxWkk98AoW81YigWtsvHKdn8zrp8yVw5UeoKYph~m1TRlSca~uX1C0vlk4BNPcV9Nz0kYIfqZkqbTu0fKGye~km9WD4PSBGCCFHEnKDUrLmSNiHy4Qszs2wWhJNH1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Minnesota Zoo leaders asked the Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy to incorporate a multi‑year legacy funding increase to expand access and accessibility at the Minnesota Zoo. John Frawley, director of the Minnesota Zoo, requested funding to support free or discounted access for Greater Minnesota residents, school‑bus scholarships, an on‑campus electric shuttle system, and ADA‑compliant upgrades.

Frawley described the zoo as a state agency and a public–private partnership that receives roughly 37–38% of its operating budget from the state. He said the zoo set a record 1.5 million annual visitors and seeks to raise that total to more than 2 million by expanding outreach to underserved Greater Minnesota communities. Testimony described specific program goals: monthly free days, expanded free‑to‑explore memberships, school‑bus scholarships (noting earlier pilots exhausted initial funds in one day), a planned EV shuttle referred to as “Zuber,” and campus accessibility upgrades.

Committee members asked whether the requested legacy funds would supplant existing operating resources or instead expand programs. Senator Green pressed the zoo to explain why legacy dollars are an appropriate source for some upgrade and program costs rather than the zoo's operating budget; zoo staff responded that the requested activities would extend access beyond current operating capacity and were tailored to legacy priorities.

Workers and zoo staff also testified in support, citing deferred maintenance, digital‑display upgrades and behind‑the‑scenes infrastructure needs that affect animal care and visitor education. The committee laid Senate File 1411 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus legacy bill pending additional detail on program costs and alignment with legacy statutory priorities.","The Minnesota Zoo requested additional Clean Water Legacy‑related funding to expand free/discounted access for Greater Minnesota and to address aging campus accessibility and mobility needs. Senators pressed on the distinction between legacy‑eligible projects and normal operating costs; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324996,"Committee hears plea to repair Jackson Street Roundhouse roof; request laid over",0,1813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342&start=1813&end=1813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2335183-e63a25f546a04d0501d5758e24250342/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","/articles/6324996/Minnesota/Committee-hears-plea-to-repair-Jackson-Street-Roundhouse-roof-request-laid-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324996-f4e4ca4ad4cc9add35e46b6431131e77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174100&Signature=kH~di97t5Jk2Jj-x4GdqgJNEPwV6yNUOILQmaRdUeDmMigjCa3Gi2WqcZjTa6rSB5~JAhAGhF7-Zs5v9UV0vkL3qwgGh48iNPPCbFrFks649Epq6SPW-PLUGHo1Naz8~paylGP-UX21kUIK2jMxNl3ng5llgXu3VSeJjvuatO4SHrqrMmC79e~sGlkm9BWy2G4whI0Oqy-NgGua8ykUCBWFm1W0v86CqF3stnN8MiCFxr2vWHj5gujuG56WPqkV-YNGwz5M3BJCTlvv-xJ9YA~UEzOhWD6OKb8fQIk-HkaOxLEnM~M8RoAmJpf-Agj7nlC4pY4Jp9df4Z6KX2FrEgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate File 912, a funding request to repair the roof of the Jackson Street Roundhouse in downtown Saint Paul, was presented Tuesday to the Minnesota Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy. Josh Hobie, executive director of the Minnesota Transportation Museum, asked the committee for support to renovate the roof and underlying structure to preserve the museum's educational programs and community partnerships.

The Jackson Street Roundhouse, described in testimony as a historically significant railroad facility that serves as a “living museum,” is operated largely by volunteers who run trains, exhibits and educational programs. \"This is more than just fixing a roof,\" Hobie said, noting that the museum is in year two of a three‑year growth strategy and that the building supports hands‑on STEAM and career‑exploration programming.

Committee members questioned the project's engineering and cost assumptions. Senator Green asked whether structural engineers had evaluated the old wood underlayment and whether re‑insulating the structure could increase snow load risk. Hobie responded that engineers have inspected the building and that the renovation design would address needed structural shoring, insulation replacement and a long‑life roofing membrane.

No final appropriation or vote to fund the project was taken. The committee recorded the testimony and laid Senate File 912 over for possible inclusion in an omnibus capital/legacy package.

The request as presented did not include a formal dollar figure in committee testimony; committee members discussed the potential scale of need during questioning but did not set an appropriation.

Looking ahead, committee staff indicated they may request additional engineering reports or budget detail before deciding whether to include the project in any omnibus funding bill.","Witnesses urged the committee to fund roof repairs at the Jackson Street Roundhouse, a historic building operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Committee laid Senate File 912 over for possible inclusion in capital or legacy funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Moorhead leaders ask state support for Cultural Mall project; committee lays SF907 over

Clean Water Council presents $310 million recommendations for 2026–27; committee discusses planning and equity

Lawmakers hear proposal to create grants for Black farmers; A‑1 amendment adopted and bill laid over

Minnesota Zoo seeks legacy funding to expand access and accessibility; committee lays SF1411 over

Committee hears plea to repair Jackson Street Roundhouse roof; request laid over