Minnesota Public Radio reports in Officials announce $1 billion Elk Run project:
Rochester, Minn. — A real estate developer and a venture capitalist said today they are joining together to launch a biobusiness park near Rochester, reportedly costing nearly $1 billion.
The developer, Tower Investments, and the venture capitalist, Burrill & Co., hope to move forward with the Elk Run master planned development, which would feature what they call a BioBusiness Park to launch medical startup companies.. . .
. . .U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, who represents the area, says the project could revitalize the southern Minnesota corridor.
"They've chosen this because Minnesota had the vision to invest in things like the University of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic, and the Rochester education system, and all the things that have brought growth to the area before," said Walz.
The development would also include office and warehouse space, retail and residential components.
Walz says to make the project work, more investment in infrastructure is needed. He says he hopes to find a way to help fund a new highway interchange at Elk Run.
The Post Bulletin also wrote up the announcement in It's a go for Pine Island and biotechnology. IN othe news, the paper reports in Appropriations bill funds projects in region:
First District Rep. Tim Walz requested the funding for the projects, including money for an extension of 55th Street and a new 60-bus garage facility in Rochester. Also receiving funding is the Hormel Institute in Austin and the National Child Protection Training Center in Winona.
Officials with Austin's Hormel Institute said they were thrilled with the $323,000 they received.
Previously, Dr. Zigang Dong, Hormel Institute executive director, has noted the importance of the funding.
"The growth we have achieved -- and the future growth we will continue to strive for -- depends on the important partnerships we share with our community and the support we receive from our leaders," he said. "Progress to improve the health of the world is not possible without research."
The story ran in the Austin version of the Post Bulletin under the heading, Federal bill sends funds to Hormel Institute. Last night, KEYC-TV broadcast 16 Local Laws And Projects Included In Funding Bill, The Gaylord Hub says Prairie Line won’t receive economic stimulus funds because MN DOT chose to use the money only for bridges and roads. Other funding sources are being sought:
One Minnesota Department of Transportation report had called for the rail project to receive $10 million from the stimulus package. Proponents of the project state that it is “shovel ready” and a economic contributor to the entire region. The project of upgrading the track is estimated to cost $40 million. This would include allowing 255,000 pound rail cars that could travel 25 mph on the track.
Last month, Minnesota House File 660, authored by Morrow, appropriated $10 million in bond proceeds for a grant to the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority to rehabilitate the track. The track is owned by Carver, Sibley, Renville, Redwood and Yellow Medicine Counties and operated by the Minnesota Prairie Line, a subsidiary of Twin Cities and Western Railroad.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Tim Walz helped appropriate $950,000 in federal railroad improvement funding.
American Veteran Online: Live from Capitol Hill notes:
Rep. Buyer discussed a new bipartisan bill he plans to introduce with
Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota that would provide equity in DIC compensatio
for surviving military widows. The landmark bill would finally provide
equity for military widows, who currently receive 12 percent less in
compensation compared to civilian federal employees.
FarmPolicy.com notes the call by the House Rural Caucus's call for a White House Office of Rural Ploicy. Walz is a leader in the caucus.
Recovering Republican blogger Ron Amundson looks at both sides in Employee Free Choice Act egads, talk about spin and ends up supporting the legislation.
How about a tune from a Band of Horses?:
I love that song!
Posted by: Andy Birkey | March 12, 2009 at 06:11 PM