MN Legislature approves funding for new ICD building

$29.2 million to be allocated to new building

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a bonding bill that includes funding to construct a new building for our Institute of Child Development (ICD). It took many months of debate, but the Minnesota House passed the $1.36 billion bill on a 100-34 vote on October 14. On October 15, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 64-3.

The bill is to pay for various construction projects throughout the state. Out of the proposal, $75.3 million is slated to go to the University of Minnesota and $29.2 million of that will be allocated for the new ICD building. The entire project cost for the building is estimated at $43.8 million, with the remaining funding to come from private gifts. ICD is in desperate need of a new building—its current building was constructed more than a century ago and was last renovated in the 1960s. It is sorely lacking in the space and amenities needed for 21st century research and teaching.

A new building not only will allow students to take classes in ICD, but also will ensure that ICD can advance its research into some of Minnesota’s most pressing challenges, including closing the achievement gap, understanding the impact of maltreatment on brain development, creating and testing interventions to increase resilience in children and youth, and addressing adolescent substance abuse. A new facility also will allow ICD and CEHD to deepen its partnerships and collaboration with community organizations, who are critical allies in our efforts to improve outcomes for Minnesota children and families.

CEHD thanks everyone who took the time to contact their representatives to let them know how important this project is to the college, the University, and the state. We eagerly look forward to this new chapter for ICD.

Story by Kevin Moe | Pre-design rendering courtesy of RSP Architects | Winter 2021