State awards $69M from MN Forward Fund, including $50M for Rosemount 'North Wind,' $5M for UST and $4M for Hennepin Tech
The state’s Minnesota Forward Fund awarded $69 million across four projects — including a $50 million forgivable loan for North Wind’s $1 billion, 250,000‑sq.‑ft. Minnesota Aerospace Complex at the UMore site in Rosemount, $10 million for Niron Magnetics in Sartell, $5 million for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and $4 million for Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie). The Rosemount project, which UMN sold 60 acres for and will partner on, will house three hypersonic wind tunnels, is backed by an additional $99 million U.S. Army contract and $85 million in company investment, targets completion in 2030–31, and has drawn some campus protests over military ties.
📌 Key Facts
- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) says the Minnesota Forward Fund awarded a total of $69 million across four projects.
- The award breakdown: $50 million for the North Wind aerospace project in Rosemount (UMore site), $10 million for Niron Magnetics (Sartell), $5 million for the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), and $4 million for Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie).
- The aerospace project at the UMore site is named North Wind and received a $50 million state funding award (reported as a state forgivable loan).
- North Wind’s planned Minnesota Aerospace Complex (MAC) in Rosemount is described as a $1 billion, 250,000‑sq‑ft facility with three hypersonic wind tunnels, targeted for completion in 2030–2031.
- The University of Minnesota sold 60 acres at UMore Park to North Wind and will partner on the site, with on‑site space planned for UMN students to work and learn.
- Additional financing for the North Wind project includes a $99 million U.S. Army contract and $85 million in company investment alongside the $50 million state loan.
- North Wind CEO Artie Mabbett said the facility will be “unmatched” nationally, that no weapons systems will be produced on site, and that testing will support national security while having dual‑use applications.
- The project has prompted community response, including University of Minnesota student protests over military ties and reports of vandalism at four regents’ homes (the student group denied involvement).
📰 Sources (4)
Business People: Fredrikson attorney Mark Vyvyan honored for pro bono work
New information:
- DEED says the Minnesota Forward Fund awarded a total of $69 million across four projects.
- Breakdown includes: $5 million for the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) and $4 million for Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie).
- Also confirms $10 million for Niron Magnetics (Sartell), alongside the previously reported $50 million for North Wind Test in Rosemount.
$1 billion aerospace testing facility coming to Rosemount, with some controversy
New information:
- Total project scope detailed as a $1 billion, 250,000‑sq.‑ft. Minnesota Aerospace Complex (MAC) in Rosemount with three hypersonic wind tunnels; completion targeted in 2030–2031.
- UMN sold 60 acres at UMore Park to North Wind and will partner on the site, with on‑site space for UMN students to work and learn.
- Additional funding sources: a $99 million U.S. Army contract and $85 million in company investment, alongside the previously reported $50 million state forgivable loan.
- North Wind CEO Artie Mabbett says the facility will be 'unmatched' nationally and that no weapons systems will be produced on site; testing will support national security and have dual‑use applications.
- Context on community response: U student protests over military ties and reports of vandalism at four regents’ homes (the student group denied involvement).
North Wind aerospace project at UMore site gets $50M in state funding
New information:
- The aerospace project at the UMore site is named 'North Wind'.
- The state funding amount for the Rosemount aerospace project is $50 million.
- Confirms the project location as the UMore site in Rosemount (Dakota County).