Our community deserves applause for a successful effort to include the Winona State Integrated Wellness Complex in the Bonding Bill signed into law last week. The $8.4 million approved puts this project on track to break ground this summer.
Truly, this is an example what happens when a community comes together. The project would not be possible without advocacy from campus and community leaders, private, local donations, and financial commitments from students. Inclusion in the Bonding Bill is a great reward for years of working toward this goal.
It’s true the complex is being constructed on the Winona State campus, but its benefits will affect our entire region. The complex will serve as a recruitment tool for the campus, bringing more motivated and highly educated students to our community. On a broader level, it will promote healthy living throughout our community and improve the options available to help us all achieve better wellness standards.
I am thankful for the community partners who joined me at the Capitol to make the case for this important project to be included in the Bonding Bill. Our efforts paid off, and I look forward to the grand opening of the new facility in the near future.
On a related note, I’d like to congratulate our hard-working WSU Men’s Basketball Team on their NCAA victory! Their dedication certainly paid off, and I think I speak for our entire region when I say how proud we are to have national title-holders right here at home.