ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – State Representative Kerry Gauthier’s bill  to fund upgrades to Wade Stadium was given a hearing Tuesday in the House Jobs and Economic Development committee.   The bill appropriates $4,000,000 in bonding to the city of Duluth to design, construct, furnish, and equip improvements to the grandstand and field at Wade Stadium, including improvements to the field's drainage, prior to its resurfacing.  The city will match the costs of the renovations.   State Representative Gauthier said, “Wade Stadium was built in 1941 and is one of only three operational Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects of this type remaining in the United States.  It would be a downright shame to let this historic old ballpark go to the wayside.  It is significant to our region and would have a huge economic impact with all the multi-purpose events that it could host once upgraded.”  Testifying in support of the bill was Duluth city project specialist Tari Rayala and Craig Smith, Duluth Huskies General Manager.  “The structure's concourse has leaks and the electrical and cooling systems are inadequate.  The renovations will double the use of the facility for baseball and make tremendous community gathering space,” stated Smith. House File 588 was laid over for possible inclusion in the bonding bill.  A companion, Senate File 385, is sponsored by State Senator Roger Reinert.