Waseca EDA looks at area projects

During a brief meeting the morning of Feb. 18,  members Patti Schuch, Brad Krause, Russ Frederick, Matt Harrington and Chris Osterloh of the Waseca County Economic Development Authority (EDA) received an update from Planning and Zoning department administrator Tina Wilson regarding numerous ongoing initiatives which Wilson has assisted or interacted with.

She mentioned a Feb. 10 visit by a delegation from Quebec whose purpose was to build relationships with communities in the U.S. Local representatives joined the Canadians in touring both the Guardian Energy ethanol plant near Janesville and Berry Pallets in Waseca.

 

Wilson also provided an update regarding the Workforce Development Center currently being planned for the lowest floor of the county Human Services Building on Elm Avenue West.

Because the work is being completed using federal grant money, various conditions must be met before each step of the process can continue. Wilson anticipated that construction work can be let out for bids within the next few weeks.

 

She also mentioned that the project is one of only two nationwide which is moving forward fairly smoothly, and that she and other county representatives will be presenting information about the process that was followed during a national conference in July.

 

Members of the EDA also discussed their idea for a publication meant to inform the public about the many programs and opportunities available under the Authority’s umbrella.

Schuch suggested the brochure should be as clear and succinct as possible, drawing readers’ attention to the EDA, and encouraging them to make contact to find out more. The brochure is still in the planning stages, but the intent is to distribute it throughout the county once it's complete.

 

Wilson also mentioned a recent meeting organized by New Richland city council member Jason Casey, who called area farmers and business people together at a Feb. 11 gathering attended by about 25 people at the New Richland City Hall. Casey asked the group to share ideas and information pertinent to a possible farmers’ cooperative to grow camelina as a local crop, and perhaps even to work toward having a processing plant built somewhere in the area. Camelina is used by many Minnesota farmers as a cover crop, but can also be grown to maturity and harvested. The seeds are used in making sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).