State briefs: Minnesota DNR seeks $72.5 million for repairs at state parks

Minnesota state parks need millions of dollars worth of repairs to aging buildings and facilities, state officials warn.

The state Department of Natural Resources is requesting $72.5 million in infrastructure improvement funds from the Legislature this year.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr will lead a media tour of the state's oldest park, Itasca State Park, Wednesday to review this year's bonding request and to highlight examples of crumbling infrastructure at the park.

Among other things, the DNR reports that Itasca needs $3 million to reopen its iconic Nicollet Court building, repair the aging sewer system at Douglas Lodge, improve park safety, upgrade public water access and reforest 800 acres.

About $33 million of the agency's overall bonding request would go to fix buildings, roads, bridges and trails at state parks. The agency estimates that 204 of its buildings are in "crisis" condition and another 533 are in "poor" shape.

State lawmakers take up requests from communities and state agencies for infrastructure funding every two years.

Jennifer Brooks

The council unanimously resolved to undertake "best management practices" in plantings and pesticides in public places within the city. That means that, except for treatment against emerald ash borer, the city will refrain from using pesticides from the neonicotinoid family on city property.

It also will try to plant flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators.

"It's us being responsible in how we treat our public lands, and also I think we can be a role model for the community," said Councilor Joel Sipress, who sponsored the resolution.

Pam Louwagie

The city of Austin is moving forward with plans to update its City Hall.

The city has worked with the Albert Lea-based firm before, according to the meeting agenda.

Austin Utilities, which now occupies part of City Hall, is planning to move into a new $18 million facility this summer. The City Hall remodeling will occur after the utilities operations leave the space.

Construction could cost $500,000 to $600,000, the agenda says. It will involve new walls, workstations, doors and signs.