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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ben Lien (DFL)

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RELEASE: Lien applauds Gov. Dayton for announcing a robust public works proposal

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Today, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton unveiled his proposed package of public works bonding investments ahead of the 2018 legislative session. The recommendations, totaling $1.5 billion, would make significant investments in higher education facilities, clean water infrastructure, affordable housing and other public infrastructure across the state. If fully enacted, the proposal is estimated to create 22,950 jobs.

“I appreciate the overall size of Governor Dayton's capital investment proposal,” said Rep. Ben Lien (DFL – Moorhead) “$1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements will provide crucial assistance for projects in communities all around the state and create close to 23,000 jobs. This proposal is especially good for higher education and municipal water infrastructure."

Highlights include $243 million for Minnesota State campuses, including design of MSUM’s Weld Hall, $299 million for the University of Minnesota system, $167 million toward modernizing Minnesota’s aging clean water infrastructure, and $115 million toward affordable housing. Local projects submitted for consideration weren’t included in today’s recommendations, but Governor Dayton has said many of them merit state investment and he would work with the Legislature to include them in a final bill.

“This is the first word in a conversation that the Legislature and governor will have through May,” Rep. Lien continued. “Local projects like the Clay County transfer station and design dollars for the 11th St. underpass in Moorhead need to be prioritized. We also need to keep focus on expanding broadband across the state. There is much work yet to be done.” 

The 2018 legislative session convenes in St. Paul on February 20.