Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pitches $518 million public works package

Gov. Tim Walz unveiled a proposed $518 million package of construction projects across the state Monday, saying that new public works spending would create jobs during the pandemic and help prevent roads and buildings from falling into disrepair.

Minnesota legislators passed a historic $1.9 billion capital projects measure in October, the state's largest borrowing package to date. But the DFL governor said that another round of funding is necessary and the state should take advantage of continued low interest rates. His proposal would use $490 million in different types of state bonds, along with $28.3 million in general fund cash.

"There are massive repercussions by doing nothing," Walz said Monday. "It becomes a backlog that is untenable, and it starts to create a situation where we start to be less attractive to have folks come here."

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-pitches-518-million-public-works-package/600026119/