ST. PAUL, MN – Early this morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bipartisan capital investment package designed to create good jobs and grow Minnesota’s economy right now and into the future.
The package includes $846 in general obligation bonds and $200 million in one-time expenditures to finance projects with statewide significance, with a focus on higher education, transportation, housing, and basic infrastructure.
State Representative Jeanne Poppe (DFL – Austin) said she is pleased the bill includes $2.165 million to acquire land and develop 11 miles of the Shooting Star Trail from Rose Creek to Austin.
“Expanding the Shooting Star Trail will help draw more tourists to southeastern Minnesota and allow more families and individuals to experience our region’s beautiful landscape and wildlife,” said Poppe.
In addition, Rep. Poppe authored language in the capital investment bill to proceed with the design and construction of a parking lot at the Hormel Institute, to be financed with previously provided state bonds.
Other major highlights of the capital investment bill include:
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$126 million for completion of the State Capitol renovation
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$279 million in higher education projects for the University of Minnesota and MnSCU
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Over $113 million for roads, bridges and vital transportation infrastructure.
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$100 million for housing, the largest investment in state history.
Rep. Poppe encourages her constituents to contact her with any questions or comments about the capital investment bill. She can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4193, by email at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn, or by postal mail at 487 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.