February 27, 2008
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Minnesota Senate Approves Arena Funding
Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud State Would Get Renovations or New Buildings
CHN Staff Report
A Minnesota State Senate committee has approved a $1 billion public works bonding bill Tuesday which included funding for three Division I hockey arenas.
Most notably, $22 million in funding was approved for the Bemidji Regional Events Center, which would include a new hockey arena for the BSU Beavers. It was widely considered, including by the school itself, that a new arena was needed in order to maintain the viability of the men's hockey program.
Also approved was $40 million in funding for the renovation and expansion of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, home of the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. Built in 1966, the DECC currently holds approximately 5,300 for hockey. A new facility would hold 6,500.
St. Cloud State's National Hockey Center will get $10 million to remodel and expand. Also, $10 million was granted to fund a new arena for the Minnesota-Crookston Division III team.
The measure still requires final approval of the legislature and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
More on the Web: St. Paul Pioneer Press
