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House DFL Releases $800 million Bonding Bill that Aims to Improve Infrastructure and Create Jobs

ST PAUL, MN - The 2013 Omnibus Bonding bill (HF270), estimated to create 22,800 jobs, was unveiled in the House Capital Investment Committee today. The bill allocates $800 million in general obligation bonds for statewide infrastructure improvements and invests in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, clean water and wastewater systems.

“Bonding is a responsible way to invest in local infrastructure projects while interest rates are low,” said Rep. Roger Erickson (DFL – Baudette). “The projects will help create jobs and put people back to work across the state and in our district.”

Using the Associated General Contractors of America formula, it is estimated that 22,800 permanent, temporary and spin-off jobs will be created, giving a shot in the arm to the state’s recovering economy.

Many of those jobs should be created within Rep. Erickson’s district, as numerous bonding projects were approved in nearby communities. Among them were:

- Nearly $5.5 million for the Red Lake Schools to fund the construction of a kitchen, cafeteria, and loading dock and to improve utilities

- $1 million to Bemidji State University for roof repairs and replacement

“The Red Lake Schools really needed some support for this project and it’s important that we give it to them,” said Rep. Erickson. “Along with Red Lake, we also wanted to invest in Bemidji State because it serves students from all over northern Minnesota and the state as a whole. It really is a regional center for education.”

The bonding bill will also makes funds available for clean water improvement projects that are likely to be funded across the state. Within District 2A that’s likely to mean funding of $1.5 million for a project in Lake of the Woods County and $1.3 million for a project in Blackduck.

The bill is being detailed today in committee and will be debated and voted on at the committee hearing on Thursday.

Some other highlights of the Capital Investment Bill include:

- Preserves and restores 108 year old iconic State Capitol building

- Protects natural resources – from International Falls’ Voyageurs National Park to the Big Lake Sanitary District to Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake

- Provides greater public safety through upgrades in flood mitigation, local roads and bridges, dam repair, housing and the St. Peter Security hospital.

- Invests in asset preservation – MnSCU, the University of Minnesota and state agencies will get needed asset preservation funds for critical repairs.

- Completes projects long past ready to go including civic centers in Mankato, Rochester and St. Cloud as well as the Minnesota Historical Society’s Oliver Kelly Farm and the Southwest Regional Sports Center in Marshall.

- Makes a big dent in backlog for crumbling wastewater systems, roads and bridges throughout the state.

Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Erickson encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Erickson can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4265 or by email at rep.roger.erickson@house.mn.

 

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