DNR Requests Millions for Park Renovations

The Minnesota DNR is sending a request for some of the state legislature’s pot of funds this year. Gov. Mark Dayton has recommended $72 million for the organization to use; half of that money will go toward renovation projects throughout the state. Over 700 of the DNR’s buildings are in poor condition, according to commissioner Tom Landwehr. He and other officials toured the Itasca State Park to see how it can use some of the funds, should the bonding money be awarded. From mold issues on several facilities to soil erosion at the Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca’s management is likely to use some of these dollars to make changes.