ST. PAUL, MN—The Minnesota House approved Friday morning an infrastructure-heavy capital investment bill that puts $987 million toward construction projects across Minnesota on a vote of 119-11. The vast majority of the bill is comprised of funding for roads and bridges, water infrastructure, and statewide asset preservation.
"This is an infrastructure-heavy bill that will put thousands of Minnesotans to work and help improve our state's infrastructure," said House Capital Investment Chair Dean Urdahl, R-Action Township. "Our bill will help rebuild local roads and bridges, replace aging bridges, and upgrade water infrastructure in cities across Minnesota."
More than 25%—$254.4 million—is geared toward transportation projects; $116 million goes to the Local Road Improvement Fund Program, $71 million for rail grade crossings, and $49.2 million for local bridge work. $172.9 million goes to water-related projects, including $116 million Public Facilities Authority funding for water and sewer infrastructure. $112 million goes to statewide asset preservation, and $212 million goes to state colleges and universities.
The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and sent to the governor for his signature.
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