Update on state funding and alternative options

After halting demolition of the Roof Depot site, EPNI secured $6.5 million from the Minnesota state legislature during last year’s legislative session, and raised $3.7 million on our own to purchase the site from the city. We were also assured an additional $5.7 million from the Minnesota State Legislature, to pay for relocating the city’s maintenance facility plan.

That $5.7 million was included inside of this year’s capital investment bill, which passed through the House of Representatives at the end of yesterday’s historically chaotic final day of the 2024 legislative session. The bill was then rushed to the Senate - where it had the support and the votes needed to pass - but because the roll call vote went just 30 seconds over the automated midnight deadline, it could not technically pass during this session.

This bill included funding for our project, but also countless other critical infrastructure projects, making this a state-wide failure that will hurt Minnesota as a whole.

Despite this deeply disappointing scenario, the East Phillips urban farm project is still happening! This state funding was an important element of our purchase agreement with the city, but we do have backup options to lean on. We also have so many exciting elements of this project already in motion - from developing the community ownership model to plotting our outdoor farm and land remediation process. We’re shocked, but still determined as ever to see this through 🌻

EPNI is currently working closely with dedicated state leadership, Minneapolis City Council and others to figure out the best new path forward for funding the relocation of the city's water maintenance facility expansion. We appreciate you and will let you know how you can help through this pivot - so stay tuned!