Rep. John Persell
NEWS RELEASE
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 5A 651-296-4288 – rep.john.persell@house.mn
369 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Privratsky 651-296-6860
April 9, 2013
House DFL Releases $800 million Bonding Bill that Aims to Improve Infrastructure and Create Jobs
ST PAUL, MN - The 2013 Omnibus Bonding bill (HF270), estimated to create 22,800 jobs, was unveiled in the House Capital Investment Committee today. The bill allocates $800 million in general obligation bonds for statewide infrastructure improvements and invests in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems.
“When interest rates are this low, bonding is a wise investment,” said Rep. John Persell (DFL – Bemidji). “These projects will help put people back to work and improve our local infrastructure.”
Using the Associated General Contractors of America formula, it is estimated that 22,800 permanent, temporary and spin-off jobs will be created, giving a shot in the arm to the state’s recovering economy.
Many of those jobs should be created within Rep. Persell’s district, as numerous bonding projects were approved in area communities. Among them were:
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$2 million to purchase School Trust Lands from local districts that are unable to gain income from them currently
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$1 million to Bemidji State University for roof repairs and replacement
“School trust lands are meant to be an income generating asset for local districts,” said Rep. Persell. “This funding would allow the state to purchase lands that have failed to gain income for local district but can still be used effectively for other purposes.”
The bonding bill will also makes funds available for clean water improvement projects that are likely to be funded across the state. Within District 5A that’s likely to mean funding of $3.2 million for improvements in Walker.
The bill is being detailed today in committee and will be debated and voted on at the committee hearing on Thursday.
Some other highlights of the Capital Investment Bill include:
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Preserves and restores 108 year old iconic State Capitol building
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Protects natural resources – from International Falls’ Voyageurs National Park to the Big Lake Sanitary District to Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake
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Provides greater public safety through upgrades in flood mitigation, local roads and bridges, dam repair, housing and the St. Peter Security hospital.
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Invests in asset preservation – MnSCU, the University of Minnesota and state agencies will get needed asset preservation funds for critical repairs.
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Completes projects long past ready to go including civic centers in Mankato, Rochester and St. Cloud as well as the Minnesota Historical Society’s Oliver Kelly Farm and the Southwest Regional Sports Center in Marshall.
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Makes a big dent in backlog for crumbling wastewater systems, roads and bridges throughout the state.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Persell encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Persell can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5516, (877) 838-5537 or by email at rep.john.persell@house.mn. You can sign up to receive email updates from Rep. Persell by going to www.house.mn/5a
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