GRAND FORKS – Altru Health System has committed $10 million to support a proposed sports complex near the Alerus Center on the western side of Grand Forks.
The announcement came during a Tuesday morning event at City Hall, which included Altru leaders, Mayor Brandon Bochenski and City Council Vice President Bret Weber.
“We’re very excited for the opportunity to partner with many community groups,” Altru CEO Todd Forkel said. “I truly believe that focus of health needs to be investing in health and wellness.”
For its support, Altru will have the naming rights for the facility, to be called the Altru Sports Complex.
“We’re super excited. We have a $500 million investment going up (in the form of a new hospital project) and this is a continuation of our investment in health care delivery and wellness,” said Josh Deere, president of Altru.
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The building still is only proposed and awaits the results of a citywide vote later this month. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Grand Forks residents will determine whether to allow the city to amend its home rule charter to allow a 0.75% sales tax – which originally was created to fund the construction of the Alerus Center and is to sunset in 2029 – to be extended. As part of the vote, residents also will decide whether to allow the funds that would be generated by the tax to be used to help fund the construction of the proposed sport facility.
Voting will take place at the Alerus Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The facility is currently estimated to cost between $95 million and $115 million, depending on the specific design chosen. The main features of the facility will be an indoor turf facility and 50-meter swimming pool. There is also the potential of a 300-meter track to also be included, as well as pickleball courts.
Carma Hanson also was among the speakers at Tuesday’s announcement. She coordinates Safe Kids Grand Forks and the popular water safety class that’s taught over 20,000 children.
“Without this facility, we wouldn’t have a place to host this class,” Hanson said. “We ask for your support to continue this class.”
Voigt covers city government in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.