Discussion:
In March 2022 Congress announced the return of Congressionally Directed Spending (A/K/A Earmarks). Earmarks allow state legislators to request funds for important projects within their states and districts. Such funding
typically is used for projects relating to infrastructure, community programs, university research, hospitals and other local initiatives.
The City of Shakopee is applying for $3 million for the Regional Innovation Hub (The Hub); with a 50% match, the city is asking for $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending. In June 2020 the City of Shakopee completed a feasibility study for the proposed facility which concluded The Hub will centralize resources and opportunities for residents of Scott, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Rice, Le Sueur and Blue Earth Counties and will focus on building diverse pathways into the workforce, through apprenticeships, vocational training, higher education and entrepreneurship programs. It will function as an activity center, including space for co-working, entrepreneurs, commercial kitchen, events and both classroom and practical training. The Hub will be the first of its kind in Minnesota.