Immigrant Development Center could be on Moorhead's horizon if bill passes through the 2024 Legislative Session

(Moorhead, MN) -- A Senator who represents Moorhead is looking to send several millions of dollars to a city non-profit who would house a New Americans business center.

The bill was authored by Minnesota Senator Rob Kupec. The legislation would approve a one-time three million dollars for the renovation and reconstruction of a building operated by the Immigrant Development Center in Moorhead, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. The  building would house a cultural mall of new immigrant businesses within its walls. and would be operated in the old Wells Fargo bank near 8th and Center avenue. 

"City officials feel like this would tie really nicely in with the new development that is going to be going on when the Moorhead Center Mall comes down [...]" said Senator Rob Kupec, referring to the construction of the Downtown Community Center and Public Library project currently under construction. "[...] It is a lot like that global, mid-town market that is down in the Twin Cities."

A bill on this project was also entered in the 2023 legislative session, but Senator Kupec says it entered the session a bit too late to be fully considered for legislation. The current version of the bill introduced this session by the senator will likely not be heard until the policy bill deadline passes on March 22nd, and expects to have it enter the calendar after the Easter recess. The bill has yet to be heard in committee, but Sen. Kupec says it has the support of city and chamber of commerce officials.

As of this publication, the current bill's text can be found below. Alternatively, you can click here for updated information on the bill. 

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; appropriating money for a grant to the Immigrant
Development Center.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. APPROPRIATION; IMMIGRANT DEVELOPMENT CENTER.

$3,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for a grant to the Immigrant Development
Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to acquire, renovate, and reconstruct a building
to house a cultural mall in the city of Moorhead. Grant proceeds may be used for acquisition;
demolition work; improvements to, or replacement of, building systems; repairs; required
site improvements; and improvements to interior spaces. This is a onetime appropriation.