By Craig Clark

Austin City Administrator

As the New Year is upon us we look toward the future with much excitement here in Austin. In 2015 we saw some BIG construction projects advance and city records had construction values of over $75 million. That was a 70 percent increase over 2014. This was on heals of the $20 million Hormel Institute expansion the year prior. There is no doubt when you look around and start adding up the projects that Austin is on the move.

In 2016 we look forward with eager anticipation of bringing back previous visitors and welcoming new faces to the newly minted Spam Museum this summer, which will only contribute further to the vibrancy of our downtown.

The year promises to be an exciting one beyond our famous Spam Museum, as we look to many other projects that will likely advance. With the generosity of the Hormel Foundation we look forward to the possibility of a new recreation center, discussion of a visitor’s center and advancing the new interpretive center at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. These projects will build on the tradition of a partnership with the Hormel Foundation with the bottom line goal of improving Austin. What a tremendous opportunity for our community to have these important amenities that contribute to the quality of life we enjoy in our piece of Americana. The efforts of Vision 2020 and the Hormel Foundation are increasingly moving from concept to drawing board and now on to construction. Between the resources of the Hormel Foundation and countless volunteers of Vision 2020, 2016 is going to be a great year of progress.

We are also working to partner with the State of Minnesota on uncovering one of Austin’s largely unknown jewels. The Ramsey Dam and Mill Pond area, in the early 20th century, was Austin’s recreational destination. The Ramsey Mill Pond is Mower County’s largest body of water (over 30 percent larger than East Side Lake) and has been tucked away in the annals of history. We hope to bring this project to the forefront in 2016 working with Senator Sparks and Representative Poppe to partner with the State in providing $3 million to resurrect this treasure that’s mostly surrounded by natural scenery. The upcoming session will be a whirlwind and this project should contend well by leveraging what could be a regional and statewide site that would connect the DNR’s Wild Indigo Science and Nature Area (SNA) trail, nearly 400 acre State Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Shooting Star trail and Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. This beautiful natural tract has nearly 550 acres of wild area that is literally right outside our back door.

The other piece of working with the State and our legislators during the 2016 legislative session is the enhancement of our local “State Water Trail”- the Cedar River. Designated in 2011 the Cedar River provides Austin and residents far and wide a great opportunity to explore our important waterways. The Cedar River, however, needs much more attention to enhance its recreational potential, mainly water-access sites and other features that will be provided under our Fourth Avenue Dam project. We’re hopeful we can install a portage around the Fourth Avenue Dam for the safety of canoeists and kayakers, enhance the area by the recreational trail and address shoreline issues along the river through Austin. Our waterways should not be something we contend with and build around but rather we should seek out ways to connect with these natural amenities.

The list for 2016 continues on with Hy-Vee bringing forth a new grocery store and hopefully other economic development projects that recognize the synergy created by the redevelopment of Oak Park Mall. Other efforts to tackle the need for more housing will be on the table and looking to establish economic development packages that can enhance the number of jobs, tax base and retail development will be important as we work with the Development Corporation of Austin.

The horizon is bright for Austin and we continue to want and need your input and participation to strengthen our community. Please contact your elected official or myself if you have comments or input. You can always e-mail us, watch a video blog, tune into a Council meeting, join us for a meeting or volunteer to serve on a Board or Commission of the City to lend your voice to the process. Contact me at (507) 437-9941 or craigc@ci.austin.mn.us. Hold on and climb aboard because 2016 is going to be a great ride.