The State of Minnesota’s $1.2 billion capital investment bill approved this week includes $6.4 million to help St. Cloud advance two major redevelopment efforts: strengthening the connection between downtown and St. Cloud State University, and activating the Mississippi riverfront as a community destination.
The Downtown Connection Project will receive $3.4 million, matching the city’s full request. With St. Cloud contributing an equal amount, the project’s budget will total $6.8 million. The plan focuses on redesigning Fifth Avenue South between Division Street and University Drive, adding bike lanes, improving sidewalks and crossings, updating lighting, enhancing streetscaping, and installing new wayfinding. The city also plans to resurface the roadway and remove ash trees damaged by Emerald Ash Borer.
Construction is slated to begin in fall 2027 and extend into 2028. Many elements are already included in the city’s capital improvement plan, and the state funding allows St. Cloud to finalize schedules and local funding sources.
The Riverwalk Connection Project will receive $3 million to reshape the Mississippi riverfront into a linear park linking downtown, the river, and the St. Cloud Hospital area. The project envisions narrowing Fifth Avenue North to create space for shoreline restoration, a multi‑use trail, public art, and educational features. The city expects the total cost to reach $6.3 million, meaning additional local dollars will be needed.
St. Cloud’s draft comprehensive plan identifies the riverfront as one of the city’s most underused assets. Hodel said the Riverwalk will help residents and visitors better engage with the Mississippi and is expected to follow a similar construction timeline as the downtown project.
The state also approved $3 million for the 322nd Street Regional Corridor Improvements Project, a joint effort with Stearns County that St. Cloud will lead.
