SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton signed the 2018 public infrastructure bonding bill. The bill included $15 million for the Upper Harbor Redevelopment Project, which has been championed by Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-Minneapolis).
“I’m glad to see Governor Dayton sign the bonding bill today,” said Rep. Lee. “Our community and state will see thousands of jobs created to maintain, repair and build vital public infrastructure. The Upper Harbor Redevelopment Project is especially important to the Northside because it will help to revitalize our community and improve our quality of life. Northsiders should be proud to see this step in redeveloping the Upper Harbor Terminal taken today.”
Requiring a super majority of support in both the House and Senate, the bonding bill initially passed the House but failed to pass the Senate. At just over $800 million in bonding to start, the bill grew significantly when other funds were added, including general fund spending, transportation projects, and money constitutionally dedicated to the environment from lottery proceeds. The bill, totaling nearly $1.5 billion for public infrastructure passed the House and Senate on the final night of session.
“I was happy to see the final version of the bill improve and I was able to change from a no vote to a yes vote,” continued Rep. Lee “The original bill under-invested in critical equity needs, including funding for affordable housing and public housing rehabilitation; for arterial bus rapid transit, which includes the D-Line to replace Route 5; and most significantly had no funding for the Stone Arch Bridge. The final bill signed today did not fund everything, but there were improvements made with affordable housing and the Stone Arch Bridge. I thank Governor Dayton for highlighting the irresponsible opposition to any form of public transit in signing the bill.”