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CLC won't seek capital funding for arts center
City Editor Citing economic factors, Central Lakes College officials no longer intend to seek capital funding from the 2008 Legislature to build a 1,500-seat regional cultural arts center in Brainerd.
The Brainerd City Council on Monday will be asked to withdraw the capital funding request on behalf of CLC and its foundation.
In a letter to the city, Dr. Jerry Poland, CLC Foundation president, and Larry Lundblad, CLC president, state:
"Several months ago, representatives from the Central Lakes College Foundation and the administration of the college requested that the city council sponsor a bonding request to the state Legislature for a cultural and performing arts (center) to be located on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College. The council unanimously agreed to sponsor the center for funding consideration by the Legislature during the next session.
"Due to the changes in the economy, the November state revenue forecast and recent events such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse, the Central Lakes College Foundation and college request that the city withdraw the center from the projects it is sponsoring for consideration by the Legislature at this next legislative session. The foundation and college will continue to work with the city and the region to develop a proposal for consideration at a future session."
The cost of the performing arts center is estimated at more than $27 million. The request to the Legislature was for $21 for design and construction of the regional cultural arts center. The remainder of the cost would be paid through local fundraising efforts.
In September during two separate visits, Minnesota House and Senate members toured the Brainerd campus of the college and were briefed about the capital funding request for the performing arts center.
KATHI NAGORSKI may be reached at kathi.nagorski@brainerd dispatch.com or 855-5859.
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