State of the City: Her places arena renovation, deferred repairs among St. Paul’s top priorities

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    Plans to address aging infrastructure in St. Paul 

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her delivered her first State of the City Address on Monday.

It fell on Her’s 100th day in office, and she touted the progress that has been made in such a short period of time.

Her also said this includes bringing life back to downtown St. Paul through the revitalization projects at Grand Casino Arena and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and bringing a grocery store back to downtown.

Her added that securing millions of dollars in funding for businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge is paramount to ensuring St. Paul continues to thrive.

Deferred maintenance costs could total a billion dollars

St. Paul leaders say aging city infrastructure could bring about $1 billion in deferred maintenance costs.

Mayor Kaohly Her spoke Monday during the State of the City address after a little more than 100 days in office. She said the city is working to build a clearer picture of its finances and repair needs.

“We likely have a billion dollars in deferred maintenance in our city, and I intend to develop a full picture of our finances,” Her said.

After the speech, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS caught up with Assistant Mayor Nick Stumo-Langer for more details. He said the city is reviewing repair needs across buildings, vehicles and technology.

“Some of the assets that we’re looking at improving is everything from our fire department burn building where we train our firefighters, to Como Zoo Conservatory’s boiler to our Dale Street’s public works operation’s campus that keeps our snowplows and street maintenance vehicles from the elements,” Stumo-Langer said.

Stumo-Langer said some costs are already known. He said upgrades to the fire department burn building are expected to cost $1.25 million.

Stumo-Langer said older buildings bring greater risks. He said the average age of a city facility in St. Paul is about 46 years.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS also spoke with St. Paul resident Peter Howitz. He said he wants the city to weigh maintenance needs against other concerns.

“Doing the maintenance certainly helps, but I think there are some more pressing matters right now, I mean keep things functioning but, if people can’t afford to live here then, what’s the point of fixing it?” Howitz said.

The city hired an outside consultant for $100,000 to help make the list of deferred maintenance needs. City officials said they expect a fuller list of projects and costs by the end of the year.

Related stories:

St. Paul ‘cautiously optimistic’ on state funding for downtown project
Minnesota Wild, St. Paul mayor plan to upgrade Grand Casino Arena complex includes $200M state request
Kaohly Her aims to boost St. Paul’s economy, increase affordable housing
Aldi planning to move into site of former Lunds & Byerlys in downtown St. Paul

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