VIRGINIA, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton unveiled a $986 million statewide bonding proposal designed to create over 27,000 jobs and improve Minnesota’s public infrastructure.
State Representative Jason Metsa (DFL – Virginia) said the proposal would bring new jobs to the people of his district and give a boost to the region’s economy, which has not recovered from the Great Recession as quickly as other parts of the state.
“Far too many people are still out of work,” said Metsa. “We can change that if we pass a strong bonding bill this year. Creating good jobs that allow people to provide for themselves and their families is my number one priority.”
Metsa said he is pleased with the $2 million in Dayton’s proposal that would go towards the pre-design of a new office building in Virginia to house the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency and Range Mental Health Center.
“Those are two great organizations that are making a positive difference in the lives of our friends, families, and neighbors,” said Metsa. “This common sense approach to co-locate and save infrastructure resources for the people they serve in our region is inspiring.”
Other projects in Metsa’s district include $4.995 million to build a new event center at Giants Ridge to replace the existing chalet, a move the freshman lawmaker said would contribute a much-needed boost to the region’s tourism industry, and a $1.5 million grant for Virginia to extend infrastructure and improve the storm water system at the Northern Heights Industrial Park.
When lawmakers kick off the 2014 Legislative Session on February 25, the House Capital Investment Committee will begin crafting their own bonding proposal for consideration by the entire chamber. Metsa says he is committed to making sure the bill includes funds to pay for relocating utilities and trails in conjunction with the relocation of Highway 53.
“That’s a major project I spent countless hours advocating for on behalf of my constituents last year,” said Metsa. “It goes hand in hand with our ability to expand mining operations and create good jobs for the people of northeast Minnesota. We have a strong partner on the Senate side in Dave Tomassoni, who is committed to making sure that project is included in the Senate’s bonding proposal.”
Rep. Metsa encourages his constituents to contact him with any questions, comments, or other feedback ahead of the 2014 Legislative Session. He can be reached by phone at(651) 296-0170, by email at rep.jason.metsa@house.mn, or by postal mail at 521 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.