The Senate Capital Investment Committee members are on the road this week, with stops in East Grand Forks, Halstad, and Crookston. State Senator Mark Johnson, R- East Grand Forks, hosted the committee members as they learned about each request.  

“Seeing these projects in person is important as the committee evaluates needs across the state,” Sen. Johnson said. “Whether it’s visible cracks in a building, hearing residents’ concerns about drinking water, or learning how the state supports agricultural innovation, these investments signal to our communities that St. Paul has not forgotten them.” 

The tour began at the Halstad Community Center, where members learned about the West Central Regional Water District (WCRWD) treatment plan. The facility would serve all of Norman County and parts of Clay and Polk counties. A $10 million state request would help fund the $26.6 million needed for the first phase. The WCRWD will address high arsenic and other contaminants in the water supply, replace aging infrastructure and provide safe, reliable water to more than 40,000 residents.  

Next, the senators toured the Minnesota Department of Agriculture potato inspection facility in East Grand Forks. There, they learned the scale of local potato production and important research and innovation being done by the state to address diseases, verify seed certification and USDA inspections, and limit damage to this pantry staple during processing.  

The committee also heard a presentation on the East Grand Forks industrial park development. A $6.4 million request would upgrade existing street and utilities that have exceeded their useful lifespan and allow further economic growth on the 142-acre site.  

The University of Minnesota Crookston campus hosted the third stop on the tour. University officials are seeking $2 million for structural analysis and repairs for Lysaker Gym, which shows visible cracking on both interior and exterior walls, as well as several roof replacements on other campus buildings.