State Officials Making Bonding Visit to Moorhead

 

Commissioners Sieben and Pogemiller tout $6.54 million in proposed upgrades at campus Transportation Center

Sandy Connolly, Director of Communications
Office of Higher Education
(651) 259-3902

ST. PAUL -- Commissioners from two Minnesota state agencies will be in Moorhead on Friday, April 11, to show their support for $6.54 million in bonding that Gov. Mark Dayton is recommending for Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

Katie Clark Sieben, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Larry Pogemiller, commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, will visit the Moorhead campus to highlight the governor's support for expanding and improving the college's Transportation Center. Plans call for new and larger diesel technology labs that will accommodate modern diesel agriculture, construction and transportation equipment.

The Transportation Center upgrades are part of $233 million in bonding that Gov. Dayton is proposing in this legislative session for improvements at higher education institutions in Minnesota. The proposal includes funding for world-class labs and expanded classroom space at campuses around the state, including Lake Superior College in Duluth, Southeast Technical in Red Wing and Bemidji State University.

"Thanks to a quality workforce, Minnesota has a strong record of attracting and retaining companies," Commissioner Sieben said. "The governor's proposals are a wise investment that will help ensure that Minnesota keeps its competitive edge when it comes to preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow."

"The proposed improvements to the Transportation Center at M State will provide students with the up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience they need to be successful in a rapidly changing job market," said Pogemiller.

Sieben and Pogemiller will be welcomed by Dr. Peggy Kennedy, President of M State, as well as several members of the faculty and staff involved with the bonding project. A short press availability is scheduled for 4:00, followed by a tour of the site and a short presentation.

Sieben and Pogemiller are visiting eight college campuses around the state to highlight the projects. Along with Moorhead, other visits are planned in Red Wing, Winona, Duluth and colleges on the Iron Range, among others.

For more information, contact Sandy Connolly at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, 651-2590-3902, cell phone 651-341-6617 or by email at sandy.connolly@state.mn.us, or Madeline Koch at DEED, 651-259-7236, cell phone 651-398-9459 or by email at madeline.koch@state.mn.us.