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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL)

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House DFL Bonding Bill Invests in Century College, Groundwater Monitoring Wells

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives Capital Investment Committee unveiled a bonding proposal designed to create jobs by investing in public works projects across Minnesota.

The $800 million proposal includes funding for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Parts of the funds for MnSCU are devoted to Century College in White Bear Lake for expanding science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives, classroom renovations, and workforce training. Funding for the DNR would go towards creating additional wells to monitor and collect data on shrinking groundwater levels.

“The House DFL bonding bill does three important things: it creates jobs, expands educational opportunities for our students, and improves Minnesota’s natural resource management,” said Rep. Fischer (DFL—Maplewood). “This package will make a big difference for our students as well as families and businesses impacted by shrinking water levels at White Bear Lake. The funds in this proposal will be put to good use.”

Specifically, the bonding proposal includes $2.7 million for STEM initiatives at MnSCU campuses, such as renovations and expansions of science laboratories and classrooms. In addition, it appropriates over $2.6 million for classroom renovation and $3.7 million for design, renovation, and construction for workforce training and programs for energy and sustainable development. It also invests $2 million to help the DNR create more groundwater monitoring and observation wells.

“As a proud Century College alum, I’m glad this package makes the kind of investments that will help equip our students with the skills needed to secure good jobs in an increasingly global economy,” said Rep. Fischer. “I’m also pleased that it will help address shrinking groundwater levels, which is a big priority for my constituents and residents across Minnesota.”

The proposed bonding bill awaits a vote in the House Capital Investment Committee.