Gov. Walz Visits New Fire Station in Dilworth

The governor became convinced of the need for a new facility after visiting the old one in 2021.

DILWORTH, Minn. (KVRR) – The atmosphere was positive inside the nearly-complete fire station in Dilworth on April 16.

State senators such as Rob Kupec and Erin Murphy joined Governor Tim Walz in celebrating the project’s progress and impending completion.

Dilworth’s old fire station had been built in 1980, and Walz saw for himself in 2021 just how badly it needed to be replaced.

“We looked at a facility next door that was totally unacceptable,” he said.

So, in 2023, he signed a bill allocating over $4 million dollars for that exact purpose – despite some not approving of that decision.

“There was pushback – that bonding is supposed to be for projects of state importance,” said Walz.

“We stood here in December of 2021 and said, ‘The safety of the people in Dilworth is of state importance.'”

That was a common theme of his remarks – that bonding proposals need to be passed so that the state of Minnesota can continue to invest in desperately needed infrastructure projects.

Walz’s goals include building new headquarters for the State Patrol and funding Rapidan Dam recovery efforts; but, on this day, he and the city of Dilworth focused on celebrating this particular win.