Minnesota House of Representatives
District 12A 651-296-4929 – rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn
431 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Matt Privratsky – 651-296-6860
April 9, 2013
House DFL Releases $800 million Bonding Bill to Improve Infrastructure and Create Jobs
ST. PAUL, MN – The 2013 Omnibus Bonding bill (HF270), estimated to create 22,800 jobs, was unveiled in the House Capital Investment Committee today. The bill allocates $800 million in general obligation bonds for statewide infrastructure improvements and invests in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems.
“This bill will help improve local infrastructure, put people back to work, and give a boost to the state economy,” said Rep. Jay McNamar (DFL – Elbow Lake). “This is the time to make these investments because interest rates are virtually as low as they can go and we need to put people back to work in our communities.”
Using the Associated General Contractors of America formula, it is estimated that 22,800 permanent, temporary and spin-off jobs will be created, giving a shot in the arm to the state’s recovering economy.
Many of those jobs should be created within Rep. McNamar’s district, as numerous bonding projects were approved in area communities. Among them were:
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$990,000 for Higher Ed Asset Preservation Repairs at the U of M, Morris
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$800,000 for the Rainbow Rider Transit System to construct bus garages in Elbow Lake, Morris, Wheaton, Lowry, and Alexandria
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$3 million for a School Energy Efficiency Fund Loan Program to help schools across the state make improvements to their infrastructure
The bonding bill will also makes funds available for clean water improvement projects that are likely to be funded across the state. Within District 12A that’s likely to mean funding of $1.3 million for a project in Graceville and $1 million for a project in Evansville.
“These infrastructure projects are a wise investment,” said Rep. McNamar. “When you put these off, they only get more expensive. I’m especially proud that my proposal to create an energy efficiency fund was included because it will help our rural schools make improvements to their buildings that can save them a lot of money long term.”
The bill is being detailed today in committee and will be debated and voted on at the committee hearing on Thursday.
Some other highlights of the Capital Investment Bill include:
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Preserves and restores 108 year old iconic State Capitol building
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Protects natural resources – from International Falls’ Voyageurs National Park to the Big Lake Sanitary District to Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake
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Provides greater public safety through upgrades in flood mitigation, local roads and bridges, dam repair, housing and the St. Peter Security hospital.
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Invests in asset preservation – MnSCU, the University of Minnesota and state agencies will get needed asset preservation funds for critical repairs.
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Completes projects long past ready to go including civic centers in Mankato, Rochester and St. Cloud as well as the Minnesota Historical Society’s Oliver Kelly Farm and the Southwest Regional Sports Center in Marshall.
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Makes a big dent in backlog for crumbling wastewater systems, roads and bridges throughout the state.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. McNamar encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. McNamar can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4929 or by email at rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn .
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