St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Minnesota House passed a Capital Investment package that includes $846 million in bonds and an additional bill that includes $200 million in further investments in infrastructure projects. The bills include priorities with statewide significance, focusing on higher education, regional assets, transportation, housing, and basic infrastructure.
“It’s clear that much of our infrastructure is crumbling around the state and we can’t afford to wait any longer,” said Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter), Vice Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee. “We have a huge backlog of critical infrastructure projects that we need to make progress on this year. This is a strong bill that will boost our economy and address some major infrastructure needs.”
“A strong bonding bill is good for our economy, our quality of life, and our future,” said Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby). “This bonding bill will put workers on the job in the short term, while also laying the foundation we need for strong future economic growth. Investments in our trails will boost our already vibrant tourism industry, while repairs to our colleges will give our students greater economic opportunity. These are strong investments in repairing and enhancing the infrastructure that serves our communities.”
The bill contains a number of local projects including:
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$42.5 million for MnSCU Higher Education Asset Preservation and Repair, which would provide $2 million in funding for Central Lakes College to replace the roof on the Library/Fine Arts building and replace air handlers, HVAC distribution and controls for the business and industry area.
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$17.6 million for state parks and trails, money which would fund a $2.38 million expansion of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail, which was chief-authored by Rep. Radinovich and co-authored by Rep. Ward, and $1.7 million for an expansion of the Camp Ripley Veterans State Trail, which was chief-authored by Rep. Ward and co-authored by Rep. Radinovich.
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$18.3 million in a Wastewater Infrastructure Fund, with $110,000 potentially going to the North Long Lake Sewer Project.
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The bill contains $2 million in fish hatchery improvements, with approximately $100,000 in improvements for Brainerd.
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The proposal includes $10 million in Department of Natural Resources Asset Preservation funding with approximately $200,000 for Mille Lacs water access sites rehabilitation.
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The bill includes $3 million in Department of Human Services Asset Preservation with an estimated $750,000 for the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center.
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$325,000 for the Aitkin County Fairgrounds. Aitkin County is seeking funding to build a new food service building, two multi-purpose buildings, and relocate and reconstruct the livestock and shelter and show arena. Rep. Radinovich is the chief author of this legislation.
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$831,350 in state matching funds for EPA Capitalization Grants for Cuyuna.
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$4.2 million for the Central Lakes College Staples Campus rightsizing.
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The bonding bill contains $33 million for statewide bridge repair and replacement and another $54 million for local road improvements. The proposal also includes $100 million for affordable housing rehabilitation.
The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport water/sewer line extension is being included in the second tax bill, along with the Brainerd-Baxter local optional sales tax which will fund the extension. A tax increment financing bill for Baxter will also be in the tax bill.
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.