St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, Governor Dayton unveiled a $986 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.
The bonding proposal contains $40 million for MnSCU Higher Education Asset Preservation and Repair (HEAPR), which could potentially include funding for phase two of Ridgewater College’s central heating system — among the top priorities for MnSCU’s HEAPR list.
The proposal also includes $5 million for state parks and trails, money which could fund a 5 mile extension of the Glacier Lake State Trail from New London to Sibley State Park. Rep. Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) is the chief author of this legislation in the House.
“While this is just the first step in the bonding process, this is a good start,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “Bonding is important both for economic growth and also for our quality of life and infrastructure. If we want a strong public college system, we have to ensure our colleges receive the critical updates they need. Expanding our trails will improve our already great outdoor experiences and potentially draw more tourists to our region.”
Governor Dayton’s bonding bill contains $30 million for statewide bridge repair and replacement and another $10 million for local road improvements. The proposal includes $50 million for affordable housing infrastructure and rehabilitation, and $70.7 million in clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure investments.
The proposal also contains $4.3 million in funding for the Willmar Department of Transportation Headquarters. Additional funding is needed due to higher than expected costs for contaminated soils, asbestos abatement, and a petroleum vapor barrier system.
Rep. Sawatzky has also authored bonding legislation for the Kandiyohi Area Transit Joint Powers Board to add an additional bus storage garage in Willmar.
“As the process moves forward and the House and Senate introduce their own proposals, I’ll continue working with my colleagues and Governor Dayton to ensure our area is well represented and receives funding for needed projects,” said Rep. Sawatzky.
In addition to these bonding projects, Rep. Sawatzky is co-authoring legislation to repeal the warehouse tax and the farm equipment repair tax.
“Repealing these taxes has drawn broad bipartisan support and it’s my hope that by working with Governor Dayton, the business community, constituents, and legislators on both sides of the aisle, we can repeal these taxes,” added Rep. Sawatzky. “It’s also important that we maintain a structurally and honestly balanced budget — which is a top priority for Minnesotans. If the current projected surplus holds, we will be able to repeal the taxes in a fiscally responsible manner
“We accomplished a lot of great things last year — all-day K, early childhood, and job creation among them — and I look forward to continuing that progress during the upcoming session.”
Rep. Sawatzky encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas. Rep. Sawatzky can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or by email at rep.mary.sawatzky@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Sawatzky’s AreaVoices blog, legislative page and sign up for email updates.