Saint Paul, Minnesota – Today, the House unveiled its $800 million Capital Investment bill which includes critical investments for statewide infrastructure improvements in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems. Capital Investment, also known as bonding, is responsible long-term borrowing for necessary infrastructure projects. Similar to a mortgage on a house, the borrowing leads to greater gains in the future. Interest rates are also at historically low levels, stretching the value of the bonding dollars.
Using the Associated General Contractors of America formula, it is estimated that 22,800 permanent, temporary and spin-off jobs will be created statewide, giving a shot in the arm to our recovering economy.
The bill contains a number of local projects including:
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$2.5 million for Central Lakes College to replace the roof on the Library/Fine Arts building and replace air handlers, HVAC distribution and controls for the business and industry area
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$2.7 million for the Cuyuna Lakes Trail from Crosby to Deerwood, Paul Bunyan State Trail to Lum Park, a segment connecting to the Sagamore Unit of the Cuyuna County State Recreational Area; and Paul Bunyan State Trail to Riverton
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Funding for an elevator in the Brainerd Civic Center to make it fully handicap accessible.
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$5 million for the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport to construct an extension of water and sanitary sewer service and to replace one mile of the existing sewer line.
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$25 million for wastewater infrastructure projects throughout the state, including $480,000 to rehabilitate an existing facility in the North Long Lake Sewer District and $845,000 to rehabilitate a Cuyuna collection system.
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$20 million for bridge replacement and rehabilitation, and $35 million for road repairs and improvements — some local projects will be included in this funding.
“Investing in Minnesota’s infrastructure is an essential part of sustaining and enhancing our economic recovery and this bill includes excellent projects,” said Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter). “Bonding helps our communities and economy grow by building the long-term infrastructure — roads, bridges, higher education facilities — needed to help businesses be successful in the future.”
“This bill is great news for our area both for economic growth and also for our quality of life,” said Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby). “Our colleges need some critical repairs and updates, and expanding our trails will draw more tourists to our area and build on the great outdoor experiences the Cuyuna Lakes and Brainerd Lakes areas are known for.”
Reps. Ward and Radinovich said they would continue to push for local projects as negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor continue, and the bill moves through the process.
“This is still in the early stages and could change, but we will fight for the much-needed projects in our area,” said Rep. Ward.
“I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues in the House and Senate and Governor Dayton to ensure that our area is well-represented in the final Capital Investment bill,” added Rep. Radinovich.
The full bill can be found here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/DE1amendmenttoHF207(omnibusbondingbill).pdf. The bill will be debated and voted on at the House Capital Investment Committee hearing on Thursday.
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.