To the editor of the Grand Rapids Herald-Review:
There is over one month left until lawmakers kick off the 2014 Legislative Session, but that doesn’t mean I’ll wait to tackle one of our region’s top priorities: securing state bonding dollars to renovate and expand the Reif Performing Arts Center.
In fact, I’ve already authored a bill for the upcoming Session that funds the full request of roughly $3.9 million in bonds needed to finance the long-overdue improvements. It’s a project that will put people back to work, revitalize downtown Grand Rapids, and make sure this jewel is around for future generations to enjoy.
I had the privilege of helping educate members of the House Capital Investment Committee about the Reif Center’s positive economic impact when they visited our region as part of a statewide bonding tour last fall. Those are the individuals responsible for crafting a bonding bill for consideration by the entire House of Representatives. The Senate will produce a bill of their own and both chambers will iron out differences before sending a final version to Governor Dayton.
As is the case with most even-numbered years, a comprehensive bonding bill is shaping up to be a major focus of the upcoming Legislative Session, which starts on February 25. You can count on me to be an aggressive, unwavering advocate for the Reif Center renovation.
I am also authoring legislation to secure bonding dollars to address other critical infrastructure needs in our region. Those bills include a renovation of the biology lab in Wilson Hall at Itasca Community College – as well as a new campus-wide biomass heating system, improvements to water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems in Coleraine and LaPrairie, and construction of a secondary wastewater stabilization pond and upgrades for the Regional Community Facility in Deer River.
When lawmakers wrap up the 2014 Legislative Session this spring, I’m confident that a strong bonding bill will be one of our top accomplishments. Community assets like the Reif Center as well as our cities, towns, and schools are depending on it.
Sincerely,
Tom Anzelc
State Representative, District 5B