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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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LOCAL PROJECTS INCLUDED IN HOUSE BONDING BILL Rep. Ward applauds swift passage of jobs bill
St. Paul, MN – The 2008 Capital Investment Bill passed on the House floor on Thursday, appropriating $950 million to fund regional and state work projects. Funding for Central Lakes College (CLC) and the Cuyuna Trail was included in the final package.
"This bill represents significant investment in our state, including projects that improve our colleges, replace outdated wastewater plants, support our veterans and improve public safety," said Ward. "These are some of the priorities that make our state great, and I'm pleased our district is included."
The House bill appropriates $60 million for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR). Under this category, CLC will receive funding to replace a boiler, roof and HVAC system, as well as funding for a new fire alarm system. Central Lakes College will also receive funding for classroom renovations and science lab renovations.
The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is designated to receive $125 thousand. In addition, the Cuyuna Country SRA will receive an additional $1.85 million for trails and mine pit development.
The Brainerd/Baxter wastewater project was designated for funding on the wastewater priority list, and the nearby Camp Ripley Public Safety Training Center was designated to receive $4 million to train personnel in disaster response – a project that Rep. Ward co-authored.
"Firefighters, law enforcement and emergency departments from our area will benefit from the funding given to Camp Ripley, as will the general public," said Ward. "Maybe the best part of all of these projects is that they create jobs – as many as 10 thousand new jobs at a time when we desperately need them."
The Senate passed their bonding bill earlier this week. The differences between the two bills will now be reconciled in Conference Committee before moving on to the Governor for his signature.
"I hope the Governor will sign this bill quickly so these jobs can begin as soon as the weather improves," said Ward. "We need to maximize the construction season and put people to work as soon as possible."
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
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