I was pleased to read the Herald article addressing all the positive projects happening in the City of Austin in 2016 and 2017. I certainly agree, but I started thinking that most citizens are not aware of how the projects came to be. We in Austin have one thing in our favor that a city of any size would and should be envious of: The Hormel Foundation.

Of all the projects moving forward in 2016 and 2017, the Hormel Foundation has or is contributing approximately $50 million. It is the Foundation that sets Austin apart from other cities in Minnesota. I can’t think of one small city that has a benefactor like we do in the Hormel Foundation. They are literally our future.

I also have seen firsthand of all the hard work people have put into making these projects work. Several times during the negotiations on the new Hy-Vee, the project that replaces Oak Park Mall, I felt we were at a dead end and that there was no way we would get the project done meaning that Oak Park Mall would be around for a very long time. It was only through the hard work of city staff, the Hormel Foundation, the HRA, the Port Authority and others including Hy-Vee that the project moved forward. I cannot say enough about Hy-Vee’s contribution through the process. When other companies were trying to profit from this and threatening to halt the project, Hy-Vee stepped up time and again to make the project successful.

If you haven’t been by the nature center lately, please take a drive out there. The new interpretive center will cost approximately $7 million and of that the city is contributing $500,000. The Hormel Foundation is contributing $5 million, Hormel Foods is contributing $300,000 and the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center is contributing $1.2 million.

The Hormel Institute’s $27 million expansion is huge for our city. To have one of the world’s leading cancer institutes is fantastic. We have scientists and researchers from all over the world living and working in Austin and the new Science Park Project means not only a major increase in our housing stock but gives the people who work at the Hormel Institute a place to live near where they work. I have personally gotten to know many of these people and their dedication to their work has to be seen to be appreciated. They also speak very highly of their time in Austin, many are choosing to bring their families with them.

I know there is a lot of both excitement and concern about the new Community Rec Center project. Here is where we are at: The city will invest $200,000 in the first year of its operation. Afterward we are committed to $100,000 per year but I fully expect to continue our $100,000 additional contribution for years, which can be expanded if we seek additional services. In addition, the Hormel Foundation will contribute $25 million, the Hormel Company will give $5 million and an additional $5 million will be raised in a public campaign. The council and I agree this is a very good deal for the citizens of Austin.

The old Spam Museum was one of our state’s leading tourist attractions and the new Spam Museum will only improve upon the old and be an anchor for our downtown for years to come.

All of these projects came about because a lot of people believe in Austin and are committed to our future. I will never be able to adequately express my appreciation to city staff and workers without whom none of these project would have been possible and the Hormel Foundation and the Hormel company for their substantial contributions into our community. It is this collaboration that makes Austin what it is and helps fulfill the vision many of us have for our future.

Tom Stiehm,

Austin Mayor