Bemidji State seeks $800,000 to reforest campus after storm; committee lays the request over

ST. PAUL — The committee considered House File 3500, a one‑time appropriation of $800,000 proposed to help Bemidji State University recover from severe storm damage and to revitalize campus tree canopy.

Representative Duran, author of HF3500, described the request as a targeted appropriation to support Bemidji State and its technical college after damaging winds last summer. Dr. John Hoffman, identified as Bemidji State president, told the committee the campuses suffered roof and window damage and the loss of many mature trees; he said the institutions have reduced budgets and are seeking limited state support to recover vital campus infrastructure and identity.

Dr. James Harding, a newly hired forestry professor, testified by Zoom in support of reforestation efforts and emphasized the value of planting larger, established trees to restore canopy benefits such as shade, wildlife habitat and long‑term lower maintenance costs. Committee members asked about the estimate breakdown: the sponsor and witnesses said roughly $100,000 of building‑related costs were not covered by insurance and that the remaining $700,000 was calculated by estimating the cost of purchasing and planting ~202 large trees at about $3,500 each.

Members discussed whether the request should come from the general fund or be framed as a bonding item; similar proposals and priorities will be considered in coordination with Minnesota State system leaders and the bonding committee. The bill was laid over for further consideration.