ST. PAUL – On Wednesday, Governor Mark Dayton announced the signing of a capital investment bill featuring $825 million in general obligation bonds to fund construction projects throughout the state.
Included in the legislation is funding for two projects in the Albert Lea area. The first comes from a bill authored by Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, to fund over $10 million for Riverland Community College. The funding would improve facilities and move auto service and diesel programs to Albert Lea from the Austin campus, allowing for better integration of those programs and use of educational equipment. Also included in the bill is $120 million for the Public Facilities Authority. Part of this funding would be used to finish the Stables area water and sewer project in Albert Lea. The 2017 bonding bill funded the sewer portion of the project, and this year’s would complete the water portion.
“The final approval for these projects to receive funding is a big win for our area,” said Bennett. “We’ve been working hard to fund Riverland Community College and finish the Stables water and sewer project, and the signing of our bipartisan bonding bill will finally get these over the finish line. Our bonding bill reflects our commitment to improving infrastructure, school safety, and higher education.”
An important part of the bill is $25 million to make safety improvements to Minnesota schools.
“As a former teacher, I believe it’s more important than ever to look for ways to improve the safety of schools throughout the state,” said Bennett. “These funds will have a big impact in keeping our schools safer for students, teachers, and staff.”
The bonding portion of the bill as presented to the governor includes:
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$178 million asset preservation
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$123 million for water-related projects
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$20 million for flood work
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$300,000 for the Shell Rock River Watershed District to develop and implement a pilot storm water program to improve water quality in the area
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$208 million for higher education construction
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$541 million for transportation
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$32 million for veterans homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo
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$28 million for mental health crisis centers
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