2/28/2009 11:35:00 AM Fobbe introduces bill
for Big Lake ice center
By Lisa Fobbe State Senator
Thursday, I introduced legislation that would help the Becker-Big Lake Regional Ice Center become a reality.
The legislation would allow for the sale of $500,000 in state bonds, which would be appropriated to the City of Big Lake to design, construct, and equip a new ice center. The funds would require that at least an equal amount be raised from non-state sources.
Community support for the arena comes from the Becker-Big Lake Ice Association. The City of Big Lake, Big Lake Township, and the Big Lake School Board have all passed resolutions of support.
I hope to convince lawmakers that the arena will not only be a great place for area boys and girls to develop skills in an active, invigorating sport, but that the presence of a quality facility will be positive for economic development, since it would be one more reason for families to build their futures in our area.
I have had very positive conversations with the Senate chair of the funding division for economic development, Sen. David Tomassoni-who as it turns out is also a former Olympic hockey player. As you might
imagine, there are a lot of requests before his committee, but it's good for local hockey boosters to get consideration for their request.
What do you think? Feel free to get in touch with me on this or any other topic before the Legislature. My e-mail is sen.lisa.fobbe @senate.mn, my phone number is 651-296-8075, and my address is 306 State Capitol, Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606.
