SAINT PAUL, MN — Today, the Minnesota House unveiled a $850 million bonding proposal for statewide infrastructure projects in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems. Bonding, also known as capital investment, is responsible long-term borrowing for necessary infrastructure projects. In addition to the $850 million in bonding, a separate bill that would make $125 million in cash investments through the use of one time budget surplus funds is also moving through the process.
“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,” said Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter), Vice Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee and chief author of last year’s bonding that was signed into law. “This is a great bill that will boost our economy and address some major infrastructure needs.”
The bill contains a number of local projects including:
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$6.5 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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$30 million for MnSCU Higher Education Asset Preservation and Repair, which would provide funding 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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$20 million for state parks and trails, money which would fund a $2.75 million expansion of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail. State Representative Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby) is the chief author of this legislation.
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$20 million in a Wastewater Infrastructure Fund, with $110,000 likely going to the North Long Lake Sewer Project.
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The bill contains $2 million in fish hatchery improvements, with approximately $100,000 in improvements for Brainerd.
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The proposal includes $12 million in Department of Natural Resources Asset Preservation funding with approximately $200,000 for Mille Lacs water access sites rehabilitation.
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The bill includes $3 million in Department of Human Services Asset Preservation with an estimated $750,000 for the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center.
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$325,000 for the Aitkin County Fairgrounds. Aitkin County is seeking funding to build a new food service building, two multi-purpose buildings, and relocate and reconstruct the livestock and shelter and show arena. Rep. Radinovich is the chief author of this legislation.
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$831,350 in state matching funds for EPA Capitalization Grants for Cuyuna.
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$3 million for the Central Lakes College Staples Campus renovation.
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The House bonding bill contains $21.75 million for statewide bridge repair and replacement and another $18 million for local road improvements. The proposal also includes $100 million for affordable housing rehabilitation.
“A strong bonding bill is good for our economy, our quality of life, and our future,” said Rep. Radinovich. “Investments in our trails will boost our already vibrant tourism industry, while repairs to our colleges will give our students greater economic opportunity. These are strong investments in repairing and enhancing the infrastructure that serves our communities.”
Rep. Ward has also introduced legislation for the Baxter Isle Drive Extension, Brainerd Veterans Nursing Home, and Pequot Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Spray Irrigation Replacement.
Reps. Ward and Radinovich said they would continue to push for local projects as the legislation moves through the process.
“As this bill continues to move through negotiations and the legislative process, I will continue advocating for the local projects that are critical to our area,” said Rep. Radinovich.
“I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and Governor Dayton to ensure that our area is well-represented in the final bonding bill,” added Rep. Ward.
The bill will need bipartisan support, as bonding bills require a two-thirds majority to pass.
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.
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.