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U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited Shakopee Jan. 20 to meet with city officials and discuss future plans for the Regional Innovation Hub.

The Regional Innovation Hub, a planned 30,000-square-foot facility in downtown Shakopee, would provide job training, postsecondary education and entrepreneurial opportunities in the seven-county south metro region.

The innovation hub would also work as an activity center, with kitchen space and classrooms to host community events and programs. “This is just such a cool program,” Klobuchar said in a city press release. “I’m very excited about it and want to help in any way I can.”

Over the last 16 months, the press release states, Shakopee has hosted 14 entrepreneurs who have considered relocating to the region. They are also providing input on what should be provided at the hub regarding entrepreneurial resources.

The city has also signed a “memorandum of understanding” with Minnesota State University-Mankato to work on providing quality educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Klobuchar has secured $1.5 million in funding for the innovation hub. The press release states that the Democrat’s funding was the first funding commitment for the project.

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