Over $30 million for Area Projects Included in Governor's Bonding Proposal

ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today introduced a bonding proposal that would invest $986 million in infrastructure projects statewide, creating more than 27,000 Minnesota jobs. This new jobs bill would help addresses many of the state’s critical infrastructure needs, while strengthening Minnesota’s economy and getting people back to work. Bemidji State University (BSU) and Red Lake Schools both saw projects of more than $13 million included in the proposal. BSU is would also be in line to receive over $4 million to upgrade building controls.

Local Representative John Persell (DFL – Bemidji) is happy to see local projects included.

“For Bemidji State, this is going to mean long term savings and better use of space,” said Persell. “When you add up all the projects that are likely to be included in the final bill, it will mean thousands of jobs for communities across Minnesota. That’s what makes these projects so important. Moving forward, I’ll continue to work with the Governor and committees in the House and Senate to get planning funds for our veteran’s home.”

The most significant area projects would take place at BSU and at Red Lake Schools. BSU would receive $13.7 million to renovate and reconfigure building space to create state of the art classrooms for the business and accounting departments. Red Lake Schools would receive $13.4 million to bring district facilities to current education standards. $8 million of those funds would go towards the renovation and construction of the Red Lake Elementary School, with the rest going towards the completion of the High School and Middle School cafeteria.

Overall, the Governor’s bonding proposal includes $80 million in repairs for Minnesota’s higher education campuses across the state. These funds will be used to renovate and repair existing campus buildings. This provides a significant long term savings and lessens the need to build brand new buildings at a much higher cost.

Repairing our roads and bridges for the future with smart investments will help support and attract businesses, and put hundreds of Minnesotans back to work in the construction trades. The Governor’s bonding proposal also invests over $79 million in transportation infrastructure, including $30 million for bridge replacement and $10 million for roads.

Representative Roger Erickson (DFL – Baudette) hopes the final bonding bill will receive bipartisan support this session.

“We proposed a bonding bill last session that failed to get bipartisan support,” said Erickson. “I’m looking forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle this session to make sure we get a bonding bill passed that can create jobs and move our economy forward. The projects that are being proposed shouldn’t be derailed by partisan politics. Improving our roads, our schools, and our communities should be something that everyone supports. ”

The proposal also includes additional investments in projects of statewide and regional importance. Some of those projects include:

• $70.7 million for clean drinking water investments and wastewater treatment projects

• $54.6 million for natural resource projects including asset preservation, parks and trails, and land restoration

• $50 million for housing infrastructure and rehabilitation (which would be the largest ever bonding investment in affordable housing)

• $17 million investment in transit improvements

• $12 million for economic development projects and grant programs

• $7.8 million for pollution control initiatives

• $4 million investment in veterans initiatives

The Governor’s bonding proposal also invests an additional $126.3 million to complete the state Capitol restoration process. Completing the restoration will ensure the building remains functional and safe for the next 100 years. Restoration measures include repairs to the deteriorating building façade, and modernization of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, security, and telecommunications systems.