ST. PAUL, MN – Early this morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bipartisan capital investment bill 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 Phyllis Kahn (DFL – Minneapolis) says the bill makes major investments in District 60B, including:
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$56.7 million for the University of Minnesota to renovate, furnish and equip the Tate Laboratory of Physics for the College of Science and Engineering.
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$11.75 million to rehabilitate the Franklin Avenue bridge.
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$330,000 for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to renovate and expand the Brian Coyle Community Center.
The bill also appropriates $33.6 million for building improvements throughout the University’s Twin Cities campus, such as window and roof replacement, fire safety and ventilation improvements, and accessibility upgrades.
“The University of Minnesota is an invaluable asset to our state,” said Kahn. “This capital investment bill ensures a top-notch learning environment for our students for years to come.”
Kahn said she is pleased the bill includes $330,000 to expand the Brian Coyle Center.
“It’s a tremendous resource for our new American community,” said Kahn of the popular West Bank location. “By renovating and expanding the building, we can make sure current and future generations can enjoy the benefits it brings to the area.”
The bill stipulates that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Pillsbury United Communities, Hennepin County, institutions of higher education and neighborhood organizations shall develop an agreement for the use of the existing Brian Coyle Community Center.
Kahn also praised the bill for other local investments, such as $21.5 million to renovate Nicollet Mall and $8.5 million to make improvements to the Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden.
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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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. Kahn encourages her constituents to contact her with any questions or comments about the capital investment bill. She can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4257, by email at rep.phyllis.kahn@house.mn, or by postal mail at 365 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155.