Saint Paul, Minn. - House and Senate Capital Investment Chairs Rep. Alice Hausman and Sen. LeRoy Stumpf have announced an agreement on a Capital Investment package that includes $846 million in GO bonds and an additional bill that includes $200 million in further investments in infrastructure projects. The bills include priorities with statewide significance, focusing on higher education, regional assets, transportation, housing, and basic infrastructure.
Importantly, the bill meets the agreement made by leaders in the majority and minority last session and even goes further to accommodate priorities of Republican members, including $22 million for the Lewis and Clark project in southwestern Minnesota.
Other highlights of the Capital Investment bill include:
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$126 million for completion of the State Capitol renovation
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$240 million in higher education projects for the University of Minnesota and MnSCU
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Over $100 million for roads, bridges and vital transportation infrastructure.
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$100 million for housing, the largest investment in state history.
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The bill does not include any contentious policy issues, such as language dealing with sprinklers.
The bonding spreadsheet is attached.
Rep. Alice Hausman:
“We have worked hard to put together a statewide bonding bill that makes strategic investments that will create thousands of jobs and support the continued growth of Minnesota’s economy. This bill will benefit Minnesotans across the state at a time when our economy is continuing to improve.
We have worked diligently to accommodate the priorities of the House, Senate and Governor as well as the priorities of both Democrats and Republicans.
I look forward to moving this bill forward and passing a strong, bipartisan bonding bill that Governor Dayton can sign into law.”
Sen. LeRoy Stumpf:
“We worked very closely with the Governors’ office, the House and our Republican counterparts in the legislature to compile a bonding package that will benefit every corner of Minnesota.
I’m especially proud of the dollars for housing infrastructure, which are sorely needed across the state. The bill also includes a robust investment in roads and economic development, which go hand in hand—our transportation infrastructure must keep pace with our growing economy. Finally, we worked very hard to include a strong higher education component for colleges and universities statewide.
This bonding bill will enhance Minnesota and our quality of life for years to come, and I’m very optimistic we will cross the finish line in the coming days.”