Construction is underway on centers in Bismarck and Minot that aim to bolster science education for students, with both projects getting an infusion of millions of dollars in state aid
kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
LAKE METIGOSHE – Some come for on the water recreation. Some come for a get-away in the midst of the scenic beauty of the Turtle Mountains. Some for the fishing and friends.
No matter what the reason, people know that their expectations are usually realized at Lake Metigoshe State Park.
Situated on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, in the Turtle Mountains north of Bottineau, Lake Metigoshe State Park is preparing for what is expected to be a very busy summer. Not surprisingly, North Dakota State Parks experienced a big increase in visitation last year. One of the reasons why was the coronavirus pandemic that left people clamoring to find outlets from social distancing and isolation.
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Submitted Photo
A rendering shows the south side of the proposed Magic City Discovery Center. Construction on the center is to start this spring.
A last-minute legislative appropriation of $5.9 million will give Magic City Discovery Center visitors more to enjoy when the children’s museum/science center opens, which could happen by the end of 2022.
The appropriation was tucked into the funding bill of the Office of Management and Budget, the final bill passed during the session that finished just after midnight Friday morning, said Sen. Randy Burckhard, R-Minot.
The money will allow for development of a rooftop science and event center and additional outdoor activities as well as meet increased COVID-related expenses.
kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
LAKE METIGOSHE – Some come for on the water recreation. Some come for a get-away in the midst of the scenic beauty of the Turtle Mountains. Some for the fishing and friends.
No matter what the reason, people know that their expectations are usually realized at Lake Metigoshe State Park.
Situated on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, in the Turtle Mountains north of Bottineau, Lake Metigoshe State Park is preparing for what is expected to be a very busy summer. Not surprisingly, North Dakota State Parks experienced a big increase in visitation last year. One of the reasons why was the coronavirus pandemic that left people clamoring to find outlets from social distancing and isolation.
jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Jill Schramm/MDN
Children move sand last August as adults fill their shovels to toss the first ceremonial ground last October for the construction of the Magic City Discovery Center.
A pandemic and concerns about funding haven’t stopped construction in the Minot region.
“For us, construction has been strong,” said Dave Schwengler, Minot office manager for Houston Engineering. “The past year was a good year for construction. That was one of the industries that kept working through the pandemic.”
He expects more of the same for 2021.
“There’s a lot of big projects out there right now, even some development work starting to pick back up a little bit,” he said.