Minnesota Senator Rob Kupec is spearheading a legislative effort to allocate several million dollars towards the renovation of a building in Moorhead, intending to establish a New Americans business center operated by the Immigrant Development Center (IDC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The proposed bill, authored by Senator Kupec, seeks to provide a one-time funding of three million dollars to facilitate the reconstruction and refurbishment of the designated building, situated near 8th and Center Avenue, previously occupied by Wells Fargo bank.
The envisioned business center aims to serve as a hub for immigrant entrepreneurs, housing a diverse array of new immigrant-owned businesses within its premises.
Minnesota Senator, Rob Kupec (Credits: Duluth News Tribune)
Senator Kupec believes that this initiative aligns seamlessly with the ongoing development plans for the area, particularly the impending construction of the Downtown Community Center and Public Library project.
Drawing parallels to similar multicultural marketplaces in metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities, Senator Kupec emphasizes the potential for the proposed business center to contribute to Moorhead’s economic and cultural vibrancy.
While a similar proposal was introduced during the 2023 legislative session, it failed to gain substantial traction due to its late submission. However, Senator Kupec remains optimistic about the current bill’s prospects despite the impending policy bill deadline on March 22nd.
Minnesota Senator, Rob Kupec (Credits: Star Tribune)
He anticipates that the bill will be scheduled for consideration after the Easter recess, pending its review and approval by relevant committees.
Although the bill has yet to undergo committee hearings, Senator Kupec asserts that it enjoys widespread support from local city officials and chamber of commerce representatives. Their backing underscores the perceived benefits of the business center initiative for Moorhead’s community and economy.
As the legislative process unfolds, interested parties can access the current version of the bill’s text for further details. Senator Kupec encourages stakeholders to stay informed about the bill’s progress, indicating that updated information will be available for reference.
