State government committee reviews capital investment requests

A House committee got an early start discussing what is expected to be one of the primary goals of the 2014 session.

In anticipation of capital investment — or bonding — discussions expected to occur after the legislative session begins Feb. 25, the House State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs Committee heard Monday about proposals within its jurisdiction.

Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown), the committee chair, said reviewing the information is important because member input will be sought when the House Capital Investment Committee puts together the House bonding bill.

Agencies within the jurisdiction of Murphy’s committee requested $240.5 million in bonding appropriations; however, Gov. Mark Dayton’s bonding recommendations released Jan. 15 match just $181 million of those requests.

Among the largest differences between the requests and the governor’s proposal is for the Minnesota Historical Society, which is seeking $19.88 million for five areas. Dayton would allocate $2.5 million for asset preservation and $500,000 for pre-design work for upgrades at Fort Snelling.

The society’s top priority is $10.56 million to revitalize the Oliver H. Kelley Farm Historic Site in Elk River. David Kelliher, the historical society’s director of public policy and community relations, said the request includes a major renovation of the site’s visitor center and would also address some other ongoing maintenance issues.

The society wants to provide a great opportunity for families and children to learn about agriculture both in the past and today, Kelliher said.

Other funding requests discussed include:

• $12 million in matching state funds to receive estimated federal grants in 2015 and 2016 that would enable the Public Facilities Authority to make low-interest loans to cities for wastewater, stormwater and drinking water infrastructure improvements;
• $5 million in asset preservation for the Department of Military Affairs; and
• $2 million for a Department of Administration account used for emergency purposes only, such as if a heating system fails at some facility.