Governor Dayton, Legislature invest $11.6 million in downtown St. Cloud convention center

ST. PAUL, MN - The expansion of St. Cloud's River's Edge Convention Center has been fourteen years in the making. But thanks to the Jobs Bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton two weeks ago, the project is finally on track to be completed. The Jobs Bill enacted this session will provide $11.6 million in state funding to complete the remaining work on the project. When completed, the Convention Center expansion will lead to the creation of an estimated 270 new jobs, and produce an additional $20 million in economic output for the St. Cloud area per year.

"This investment in St. Cloud's downtown center is vitally important to the city, the region, and our state," said Governor Dayton. "I thank the legislators, who supported this Jobs Bill. I commend Mayor Kleis and the other St. Cloud leaders who worked long and hard to finally get this project funded."


Annually, the River's Edge Convention Center holds approximately 375 events every year - attracting more than 280,000 people. The $11.6 million appropriation in this year's Jobs Bill will help improve the Convention Center's parking facilities, riverfront features, and fund other necessary renovations. After construction is finished, yearly attendance is expected to climb over 430,000 people.

"We are grateful for the state funding that allows us to complete the final piece of the River's Edge Convention Center," said Mayor Dave Kleis. "This facility has contributed greatly to the vitality of our historic downtown. As a regional center, a strong, vibrant downtown is essential to St. Cloud's future economic growth."


"Our chamber's board and members are thrilled to have Governor Dayton visit to help us celebrate the completion of the final phase of River's Edge Convention Center, said Teresa Bohnen, President of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. "This final phase will allow the center to realize its full economic potential. We expect a crowd to help us say 'Thank You' for the Governor's support!"

"A stronger St. Cloud region makes for a stronger Minnesota economy and this project helps us make more strides in the right direction," said State Rep. Zachary Dorholt. "I thank the local leaders that have been fighting for this project, even before I was serving in the legislature, and I thank Governor Dayton for his leadership to see this through for the people of the St. Cloud area."

"The Saint Cloud River's Edge Convention Center expansion is an important asset to our community and to central Minnesota. Additional parking and an expanded convention center will attract more business to our community, creating a boon for local hotels, restaurants and businesses both large and small," said Rep. Tama Theis. "I am pleased that legislative leaders and Governor Dayton negotiated a reasonable bonding bill this year that included priorities for our district like Saint Cloud River's Edge, Saint Cloud State University and the Saint Cloud Correctional Facility."

Other Crucial Investments in St. Cloud Infrastructure
Altogether, this year's Jobs Bill invested nearly $32 million in improving infrastructure in the St. Cloud Area. From the completion of the River's Edge Convention Center, to improvements at the Minnesota Correctional Facility, to upgrading Eastman Hall at St. Cloud State University, to improving Transit options for St. Cloud Area residents, the 2014 Jobs Bill will help grow St. Cloud's economy and create hundreds of new jobs in the region.

Minnesota Correctional Facility - The Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud currently lacks modern intake and health facilities, which puts staff safety at risk. The Jobs Bill enacted by the Legislature and Governor Dayton funds the replacement of these spaces, which will improve safety and security at the prison. In addition to making needed improvements to the prison, the Department of Corrections estimates the renovation will create between 200-250 jobs.
St. Cloud State University - The health and human service sectors are among the fastest growing parts of Minnesota's economy. The Jobs Bill enacted by the Legislature and Governor Dayton contains funding to renovate St. Cloud State's Eastman Hall. These renovations will allow the University to expand existing programs and train students for great careers.

St. Cloud Transit Operations - During the last eight years, bus ridership in the St. Cloud Area has grown by nearly 30 percent. To support growing demand, the Jobs Bill enacted by the Legislature and Governor Dayton will fund the expansion of the St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission's vehicle storage center - allowing them to support additional transit operations. This expansion project is expected to support 17 new jobs.