ST. PAUL, MN – Today the Minnesota House of Representatives unveiled capital investment legislation (more commonly known as the bonding bill) that will create good jobs, spark economic development and improve Minnesota’s infrastructure.
This year’s proposal includes $850 million in bonds and $125 million in one-time cash from Minnesota’s budget surplus.
State Representative Tom Anzelc (DFL – Balsam Township) was grinning ear to ear after learning the bill includes about $3.9 million to renovate and expand the Reif Performing Arts Center in downtown Grand Rapids.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Anzelc. “Lawmakers were really impressed by local matching dollars for that project. I think our community deserves a tremendous amount of credit. Their hard work tipped the scales in our favor.”
Going forward, Anzelc said he will work hard to keep the entire $3.9 million sum intact as the bill moves through the legislative process.
“We’re at the halfway point now. I’m committed to moving this project across the finish line while keeping that funding amount whole. It’s going to make sure future generations can enjoy this jewel in our community and enjoy art, culture and theater.”
In addition to funding for the Reif Center, the House bonding bill includes dollars for several local projects, including:
-
$557,250 for Itasca Community College to upgrade and improve Wilson Hall and install a new biomass boiler heating system.
-
$100,000 to improve fish hatcheries in Grand Rapids and Remer.
Anzelc also praised other projects in the bonding bill that benefit the regional economy, including $6.5 million to improve and expand the Range Regional Airport as well as $2.2 million for the entire Northeast Higher Education District.
“This bonding bill reflects a strong commitment to the needs of northern Minnesota,” said Anzelc. “I’m very pleased with this legislation.”
The full $850 million bonding bill can be found here:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/a14-1037.pdf
The $125 million general fund bill can be found here:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/a14-1038.pdf
Rep. Anzelc encourages his constituents to contact him with any questions about the House bonding bill or any other issue. He can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4936, by email at rep.tom.anzelc@house.mn, or by postal mail at 517 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.