Jolene Brink advocates for Agate Bay Waterfront project in 2 Harbors Minnesota

During a recent Minnesota Senate Committee on Transportation meeting, the spotlight shone on the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program, which is making significant strides in enhancing local infrastructure. Jolene Brink, a resident of Two Harbors and an employee of the University of Minnesota Extension, testified remotely about her community's ambitious project to transform 40 acres of Agate Bay Waterfront into a public space that will benefit both locals and the over one million annual visitors to the area.

Brink emphasized the long-standing challenges her community has faced since the 1970s in planning for Agate Bay, stating, "With support from ESMC over the past year, we are now closer than we've ever been to turning those plans into a strategic implementation." She highlighted the critical role of ESMC in providing the necessary expertise and resources that smaller communities often lack, allowing them to develop sustainable infrastructure projects.

Senator Johnson Stewart praised the program, noting that small communities often struggle to afford the engineering and technical assistance needed to prepare grant proposals, which can cost around $30,000. He urged continued support for ESMC, underscoring its importance in leveling the playing field for rural areas.

However, the meeting also sparked a discussion about the definition of "small communities." Senator Jasinski questioned the program's threshold of 15,000 residents, suggesting that it might exclude many smaller towns traditionally defined as having populations under 5,000. Mister Shelton, responding to the inquiry, explained that the higher limit allows for collaborative projects among smaller communities, ensuring that those with shared challenges can also benefit from the program.

As the committee deliberated, the significance of ESMC's support for rural infrastructure projects became clear, with members recognizing the need for continued investment in these vital community initiatives. The meeting concluded with plans to revisit Senate File 2203, indicating ongoing legislative efforts to bolster support for small communities across Minnesota.