The city of Albert Lea is planning on employing an assertive approach in the 2016 legislative session to sell the idea of state bonding dollars for two local projects.

The projects, the connection of water and sewer lines to the Stables area and the development of the Blazing Star Landing, have been targeted by the city as important projects.

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker said that him, Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams, Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Ryan Nolander plan on going up to the Capitol on Legislative Action Day, March 16, and meeting with state legislators, including District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, and District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea.

Adams said the city plans on discussing the Blazing Star Landing’s strong support and place as a community asset and jewel to state legislators.

He plans on framing the issue as having a statewide impact, and putting together an economic benefits package that includes projected sales tax revenue gathered from development and job creation numbers.

The legislative session begins next Tuesday, and the deadline to pass bills is May 23.

The city is requesting $3.5 million in state funding to move Front Street north to make way for lakefront development and preliminary preparation work north of the railroad for the first phase of the project, and $11.5 million from the state for the second phase of the project. This phase includes the construction of an approximately 115,000-square foot community center plus additional work north of the railroad.

Baker said anytime city leaders are able to talk to legislators about local projects it gives the state lawmakers a chance to put faces to names that represent the community and allows them to have more information about the project before making a decision.

Baker said if the city is able to secure bonding dollars, it will allow it to make the development of the Blazing Star Landing that much more enticing to developers.

The city is looking for public and private support for the project and plans on gathering it from development websites, social media campaigns and other networks, including local media.

Adams said securing the bond dollars for the Blazing Star Landing will be tough in an election year where core infrastructure projects are targeted for priority.

Gov. Mark Dayton didn’t include the development of Blazing Star Landing on his bonding priority list released last month.

If bonding is secured and local interest is high, Adams said development could begin in spring 2017.

Relocation of a portion of the Blazing Star Trail is planned as part of phase one, but the city is planning for the trail to remain as a connection from Frank Hall Park to Myre-Big Island Park.

The development includes construction of a new city hall, ice arena and a community center that would include space for senior services and programs, meeting and activity rooms, a four-lane walking and running track, a fitness room with free weights and cardio, studio spaces, an aquatics area, an indoor play park, game room, four-court gymnasium, racquetball courts and childcare, among other amenities.

The city would not spend any of the state’s bonding dollars or spend taxpayer dollars until private development until is secured to pay for first phase improvements and a substantial portion of the second phase.

The two phases are projected to cost approximately $44.6 million.

The estimated tax increase on a $100,000 home is projected to be between $50 and $60 for 30 years.

The intent of the Blazing Star Landing master plan is to create a place that is an extension of downtown and an enhancement of the lakefront of Albert Lea Lake.

The second major project to connect water and sewer lines to the Stables area was included in Dayton’s bonding wish list.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution supporting the bonding request Feb. 16.

The $2.8 million project would include $1.3 million in bonding, $850,000 for assessments for property owners and up to $300,000 each for the city of Albert Lea and Freeborn County.

District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, said last week that the state’s $900 million surplus provides a good environment for the state to fund local bonding requests.

Baker said he supports bonding for the project, and said it would would help stop a long-standing issue.