ST. PAUL, MN – This week, 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 a grant to the city of Virginia and the Virginia Public Utilities Commission for engineering and predesign for the relocation of gas, electric, water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer utilities in conjunction with the relocation of Highway 53.
It also includes a grant to the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for soil testing and preparation for relocating portions of the Mesabi bicycle, snowmobile, and ATV trails for the same highway relocation.
“These grants create jobs and give our mining industry access to new supplies of iron ore deposits,” said Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL—Virginia). “It’s going to be a boon for our region’s workers and businesses. I’m glad our Capital Investment Committee Chair Rep. Alice Hausman included these projects in the bonding bill and recognized how they’ll have a significant impact on our regional economy.”
Highway 53 between Duluth and International Falls is a major transportation corridor serving northeastern Minnesota. Since 1960, portions of the highway in St. Louis County were located on land owned by mining companies. The highway is located on these lands through easement rights. In order to continue mining operations, United Taconite and RGGS Land and Minerals need access to the land the highway is located on.
“Our region’s economic vitality depends on the availability of good jobs in the iron ore mining industry,” added Rep. Metsa. “The House DFL bonding proposal provides the resources we need to stay competitive. It helps pave the way for future growth.”
The proposed bonding bill will receive a vote today in the House Capital Investment Committee.