Dilworth, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz toured the new fire station in Dilworth that was funded by a state infrastructure bill he signed back in 2023.
Guided by Dilworth Fire Chief Scott Payne, Walz had a firsthand look at the building’s new training area and extra trucking bay along 1st Avenue Northwest.
“These things really matter,” said Walz following the tour. “The safety of the people of Dilworth is of state importance.”
Payne says firefighters moved in two days ago on Monday prior to the event.
While saying it’s fully functional from a firefighter standpoint, Payne says the facility also has new bunk space for an eventual larger staff.
“Firefighters are just really excited to start working out of this [firehouse]”, said Payne. “Knock on wood, we haven’t had a call yet but we will.”
Walz, who was here once before in December 2021 to back the planning and funding for the project, used the opportunity to press lawmakers to pass his $887 million bonding proposal.
Walz argues the additional funding is needed to continue supporting such projects statewide.
“It’s a good thing I think for citizens to show government can work together and get a world class facility,” said Walz.
Asked if the state legislature will approve his bonding measure, Walz said there’s been “a bit of a challenge getting people brought on board.”
Listen: Flag Family Media’s Ken Duffy reports from Dilworth
Walz said there’s discussion about the range of the funding, which the governor says ranges from $700 million “to a little more than a billion.”
Walz also dismissed off notion that state budget constraints are preventing passage.
“We’re in good shape on this,” said Walz. “We have a debt limit that we can borrow to that we always stay under.”
Walz then went to a town hall with DFL legislators at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College.
