ST. PAUL, MN – This week 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 expenditures from Minnesota’s budget surplus to finance statewide infrastructure projects in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems.
“A strong bonding bill that addresses our state’s infrastructure needs is a smart way to put more people back to work and build on Minnesota’s positive economic momentum,” said State Representative David Bly (DFL – Northfield). “With interest rates still dramatically low, we can borrow for less while making long overdue repairs and improvements to our roads, bridges, schools and more – the kinds of things that lay the foundation for economic growth right now and into the future.”
Bly authored a provision in the proposal that appropriates $1.33 million for a grant to the city of Montgomery to design, construct, furnish and equip a public safety facility for fire and ambulance services. Those funds would not available until at least an equal amount is committed from non-state sources.
“I’m really pleased we were able to include the funding for Montgomery in our bill,” said Bly. “They found themselves in a situation where they really needed some assistance, so it’s great to see state funds for that project moving forward. Our outstanding first responders are a big reason why Minnesotans enjoy a high quality of life.”
The House bonding bill also includes $550,000 to acquire land and develop the Mill Towns Trail segment from Faribault to Dundas, which Bly says will help draw more tourists to the region and give a boost to the local economy.
Bly said he was also pleased with an allocation of one-time cash expenditures for intercity rail with the potential for expanding passenger rail in Minnesota.
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. Bly also encourages his constituents to contact him with any questions or comments about the House bonding bill. He can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0171, rep.david.bly@house.mn, or by postal mail at 559 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155.