Officials Project Rochester Worker Shortfall

ROCHESTER (AP) - Minnesota officials say Rochester is expected to develop a worker shortage as thousands of jobs are created over the next few decades.

There aren't enough people in the city of 110,000 to fill the expected labor needs. The Olmsted County planning director says population growth projections indicate the city may be lacking 18,000-20,000 workers by 2030. Planners think filling the shortfall will require adding 2,000 residents each year.

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith says the Destination Medical Center collaboration between local and state governments and Mayo Clinic will create 25,000-35,000 jobs as it redevelops downtown Rochester. Smith is the board chair for the $6 billion project and says there will also be countless construction jobs as building occurs over at least 20 years.