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RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 22-0103 TO ADD SUPPORT FOR THE DULUTH AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIRCRAFT SHELTER PROJECT.
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BY PRESIDENT FORSMAN, VICE PRESIDENT KENNEDY, AND COUNCILOR VAN NETT:
WHEREAS, a bill to support the Duluth Air National Guard Base through an appropriation for a new aircraft shelter has been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature for the 2022 legislative session; and
WHEREAS, this investment in safe and modern infrastructure positions the 148th Fighter Wing for future missions and a continued presence in Duluth; and
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing employs 1,100 total employees and is Duluth's eighth-largest employer; and
WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota has never asked more of the men and women of the National Guard as it has in the last few years and this investment by the state demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the 148th Fighter Wing has what it needs to be successful; and
WHEREAS, over 300 airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing are currently deployed overseas and their service is appreciated by the city of Duluth.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the council affirms its support of the Duluth Air National Guard Base and the aircraft shelter project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Resolution 22-0103 establishing the city of Duluth 2022 legislative agenda be amended as follows (additions underlined):
WHEREAS, the city council finds as follows:
(a) The city desires to establish a legislative agenda for 2022;
(b) The city has devoted meeting time and discussion to the city legislative priorities;
(c) The city supports the following legislative initiatives that are of vital interest to the region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth’s top legislative priorities are:
• to work with legislators and the administration to safeguard funding for Local Government Aid;
• secure state funds for improvements and upgrades to the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area; and
• secure state general obligation bond proceeds for improvements and upgrades to the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city of Duluth also supports the following local and regional initiatives:
• Funding for housing projects as proposed by the Homes For All Coalition which calls for general obligation bonds for public housing rehabilitation and housing infrastructure bonds for construction of affordable housing through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency;
• Policies to help reduce and prevent evictions; programs to provide emergency and long term rental assistance, identifying and protecting Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, increasing affordable homeownership development through Minnesota Housing programs such as the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program, state matching dollars for local housing trust funds; and policies and funding to combat and prevent homelessness;
• A reduction in the class tax rate impacting the net tax capacity of parcels at the airport to stimulate local economic development;
• Increased funding for Department of Employment and Economic Development programs such as the Minnesota Investment Fund, the Job Creation Fund and the Redevelopment Account and support for local businesses that may apply for these funds;
• State funds to establish a customs facility to develop a market for cruise ship industry in the Great Lakes;
• State funds to facilitate the redevelopment of Lot D;
• State general obligation bond proceeds for the Port Development Assistance Program;
• State funds for redevelopment and upgrades to the Armory;
• State funds for programs and incentives to expand and attract opportunities for film, television, and music production in Minnesota;
• State funds to improve access and affordability of child care throughout Minnesota;
• Increased funding for library programing and infrastructure;
• State funds to remove and replace lead service lines still in use throughout Minnesota;
• State funds to address the future of Highway 61 in downtown Duluth;
• State funds to improve access to universal, high quality broadband services for all Minnesotans;
• State funds to support local government efforts to remove and replace trees infested by emerald ash borer and development of markets for products utilizing the resulting wood waste;
• A statewide policy requiring employers to provide safe and sick time for employees; and
• Efforts to meaningfully address racial and economic disparities as the state recovers from COVID related economic strain.;
• State funds to establish a Minnesota Health Plan and support for Federal Medicare for All Act.; and
• State funds to support the Duluth Air National Guard Base new aircraft shelter project.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution amends Resolution 22-0103 to add support for the Duluth Air National Guard Base aircraft shelter project as a legislative priority for the city of Duluth.