Board Approves Budget for New Energy & Service Center
On Tuesday, October 6, the Crow Wing Power Board of Directors held a special meeting focused on one important topic: the budget for the new Energy & Service Center. After a thorough review and plenty of good conversation, the board approved a project budget of $45.5 million, which works out to an average of approximately $3 per member per month over the next 30 years.
What Happened at the Meeting
The board reviewed the latest progress from GLTArchitects, including updates on the preliminary designs and key takeaways from recent planning meetings. Hy-Tec Construction attended the meeting to offer their perspective and answer the board’s questions. As a Brainerd-based business with deep roots in our area, Hy-Tec brings both building experience and a personal stake in the communities this facility will serve. Their team lives and works here too, and that local connection matters on a project built for our members.
A big part of the discussion centered on finding the right balance. The design work included adjustments to use office and warehouse space as efficiently as possible, while still leaving realistic room for the cooperative to grow. The approved budget also includes a healthy cushion for unexpected costs, which is a normal and responsible part of planning any project of this size. By the end of the meeting, everyone involved felt confident and comfortable with the plan moving forward.
Why This Investment Matters
This isn’t just about a building. The new Energy & Service Center addresses real concerns about safety, technology, and growth, and it is designed to serve our members and communities for the next 50 years.
We take our responsibility to members seriously. That means being careful with every dollar while also being honest about what a facility like this needs to do its job well, both today and for decades to come. TheCooperative is in a strong financial position to take on this project, with most of the cost covered through cash on hand and the sale of our current building, along with a mix of intentional lending options.
What Happens Next
With the budget in place, work is moving forward on several fronts. GLTArchitects is fine-tuning the layout of workspaces and how people and equipment will move through the building, while Hy-Tec Construction handles the early groundwork that comes before construction begins, such as planning schedules and lining up the details needed to start building.
Together with GLTArchitects, Hy-Tec, and our internal building committee, the next steps include site planning and preparation along with final rounds of building design. Throughout the process, the Board of Directors will continue to look closely at every part of this project to make the best long-term decisions for the safety and reliability of your cooperative.
Staying Informed
The board and staff at Crow Wing Power are committed to keeping members informed every step of the way. We will continue posting updates here as the project moves forward, so check back often for the latest news on the Energy & Service Center.