A new tunnel for the Capitol?

Several years after it was identified as a security concern, the State Capitol’s underground tunnel system might receive a $6.6 million upgrade.

Rep. Diane Loeffler (DFL-Mpls) sponsors HF1288, which would authorize design and construction of a replacement tunnel to connect the Capitol building to facilities located across University Avenue on the building’s north side.

The House State Government Finance Committee voted to approve the bill Jan. 31 and send it to the House Capital Investment Committee.

“This is now time-critical,” Loeffler said, referring to the impending construction of the light rail line down University Avenue. She said if the light rail is built before the current tunnel is replaced, it will be much more expensive — if not impossible — to finish the job.

Multiple studies have recommended replacing the current tunnel beneath University Avenue with a new, larger version that can accommodate the delivery of material goods as well as secure staff and public access to the building. The goal is to move delivery truck traffic away from the Capitol, as it is considered a security risk.

Loeffler said the project would need to be done eventually anyway; the light rail construction only adds urgency to the issue.

The request was included in Gov. Mark Dayton’s bonding recommendations.

Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) sponsors the companion, SF1060, which awaits action by the Senate Capital Investment Committee.