Is DECC expansion project dead??

Well it seems that many in Duluth could be upset at our local state senators. Some of us are not.

Tom Bakk and Yvonne Prettner Solon were among those that voted to accept the bonding bill. Okay so what is wrong with that? It did not include the DECC expansion project.

The DECC, Mayor Bergson and many others must not be very happy with there vote. You must remember however the referendum that was Duluthians voted on was a non binding vote, (yet another reason I did not like it) .

In case you don't remember the wording of the referendum question here it is.


DECC Expansion Food & Beverage Sales TaxReferendum Question
If the state of Minnesota allocates enough funds for the project to go forward and to pay for up to one-half of the cost of a new arena for concerts, conventions, hockey and other events at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), then should the city of Duluth seek permission from the legislature to pay for part of the remaining cost by increasing the existing sales tax on food and beverages purchased in Duluth bars and restaurants by .75 percent (7.5 cents per ten dollars spent), subject to the following conditions:
(a) The tax increase would only take effect if the state allocates money for the project to go forward and to pay up to one-half of the project costs; and
(b) The state approves the new tax; and
(c) The tax is only in effect for the period of time needed for it to raise enough money to pay off the cityÂ’s portion of the project cost?
A “yes” vote means you favor funding the new arena in this manner.
A “no” vote means you do not favor funding the new arena in this manner.

Yes referendumrndum passed overwhelmingly, that however does not mean that State had to put it in it's bonding bills. Nor does it mean our local rHave have to vote for the DECC expansion or even make sure it is in the bills.

Both Bakk and Solon did say they supported the project but when it comes down to it they really must not have. I think this makes it hard for the DECC to get it's expansion.

I think it may also have a toll on Bakk and Solon we will have to wait and see.