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 Carly Melin (DFL – Hibbing), who is a member of the House Capital Investment Committee that crafted the bill, said dollars for local projects like the Range Regional Airport will provide a boost for northeastern Minnesota’s economy.
“We want our businesses and industries to grow,” said Melin. “Expanding and improving the Range Regional Airport is a big part of making that happen. We need an airport that can handle growing demand and capacity. It’s project I’ve been working on since I first got elected.”
In addition to $6.5 million to improve and expand the Range Regional Airport, the bonding bill includes $557,250 for Hibbing Community College to improve and upgrade classrooms.
“Investments in our higher education system will make sure students have access to a top-notch learning environment,” said Melin. “I’m very pleased we were able include funding for not only Hibbing Community College but the entire Northeast Higher Education District.”
Melin also noted the importance of nearly $5 million in funding for the IRRRB to construct a new a new multi-use, year round event center at Giants Ridge Resort to replace the existing facility. Matching dollars will be needed to fully fund the project, which Melin says will strengthen the region’s tourism and hospitality industries.
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. Melin encourages her constituents to contact her with questions about the bonding bill or any other issue. She can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0172 or toll free at 888-726-0711, by email at rep.carly.melin@house.mn, or by postal mail at 515 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.