Funding For Washington Ballpark Included in Gov Walz’s Bonding Bill

(KDLM/KFGO) – Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a $3.3 billion bonding bill that would include millions of dollars for projects across the state, including Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, Dilworth, and Moorhead.

As a part of the bonding bill, the city of Detroit Lakes would receive a $1.4 million grant for renovations to the 126-year-old Washington Ballpark, which saw its first action in 1897. The grandstand was built in 1907 and has seen renovations in the late 40s and mid-80s.

Last spring before the end of the legislative session, the city had been hoping to secure $1.172 million in funding through the State bonding bill towards a $2.34 million project for renovations that would include refurbishing the wood siding and spectator benches, addressing ADA accessibility, improving dugouts, adding a warning track and removing a storm sewer manhole that is in the outfield. Construction was scheduled to begin last August and be completed this May, but plans were put on hold after the bonding bill fell through.

Other projects with allocated grants include:

• $24 million to the City of Moorhead for flood protection
• $23 million to MSUM for renovations and an addition to Weld Hall.
• $4.4 million to the City of Dilworth for a new or remodeled fire station
• $5.2 million to the City of Fergus Falls for land acquisition and construction of a river balcony, trail, playground, and fishing pier along the Otter Tail River
• $1.5 million for a grant to the City of Pelican Rapids to demolish and reconstruct a municipal swimming pool and to build a water slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry, splash pad, gazebo, and bathhouse
• $900K to Otter Tail County for the construction of the Glacial Edge Regional Trail segment located within Maplewood State Park

The governor also recommends over $650 million for local bridge and road projects, plus water and sewer infrastructure; over $1.2 billion for preserving existing facilities. Walz also recommends nearly $500 million for safe and affordable housing projects to address a shortage across Minnesota, over $300 million for “environmental stewardship,” and more than $90 million for needed improvements at veterans homes in Hastings, Preston, Montevideo, and Bemidji.