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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
BONDING BILL DELIVERS ON INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Each year local communities like our own are given the opportunity to make their case for receiving state funds for local infrastructure projects such as community centers, roads and bridges, state colleges and universities, or other projects through the capital investment, or bonding, bill. The state provides these funds through borrowing. This process is available so that projects with urgent needs can receive the funding they need more quickly.
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed this year's capital investment omnibus bill by a vote of 84 to 45 on Tuesday night. The bill provides funding for research, infrastructure, and relief needs for communities across the state. Roads and bridges, flood victims, transitways, and other community needs are receiving the funding they need because of this legislation.
This year, as in past sessions, I worked hard to ensure that the specific needs of our community were addressed in the capital investment bill. Last year I secured funding for Historic Bruentrup Farm, Silver Lake Trail, and for the expansion of the Lower Afton Trail between McKnight and Century. This year, the immediate need in our community was with the construction of a tunnel at the intersection of 36 and 120 for bicyclers and pedestrians using the Gateway Trail, and the construction of a bridge at 36 and Rice near St. Jude Medical Device Company. I am pleased to report that both of these projects were included in the capital investment bill and will be receiving the funding they need to move forward.
The need for building a tunnel at the intersection of 36 and 120 for the DNR Gateway Trail was brought to my attention by the City of North St. Paul. They cited a major public safety concern for pedestrians crossing at the intersection. Since the intersection will be closed soon for construction to accommodate the large volume of traffic in the area, it will save time, money, and unnecessary congestion to work on the project now rather than later while all of the equipment to do so is there already. My colleagues in the Legislature agreed and we have appropriated $650,000 in bonding for the project to provide bicyclers and pedestrians a safe route across this busy intersection for use of the Gateway Trail.
The Gateway Trail is one of the best multipurpose trails in the state. It is a true asset to our community and the region. Resolving this major public safety problem is a good thing for our community.
$2 million was also appropriated to expedite the building of a bridge at 36 and Rice near St. Jude Medical Device Company. This project is essential to the economic development of the St. Jude campus and the area at large. It will alleviate congestion in the area and allow the company to expand. It will also help the commuters of West Maplewood as they move through the community.
I am very encouraged that these important projects received the attention they deserved in the capital investment bill. Now that the bill has passed in the House, the Senate will have to approve the proposals as well before the bill can be sent to the Governor. I am hopeful that the Senate and the Governor will share my firm conviction that these projects deserve immediate attention. In funding these two important initiatives, our community will benefit in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness, and economic development.
Please continue to contact me by phone at (651) 296-1188 or by email at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn with any questions, suggestions, or concerns you may have regarding this or any topic. I look forward to hearing from you.
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