Roads, bridges, parks: Minnesota legislators direct $1 billion to Twin Cities area infrastructure

The $2.6 billion state package funds projects that have languished for years

Jun 01, 20230

Alex Kormann, Star Tribune file count

Foreman Eric Fobbe and Jaden Wisti worked to remove sandstone from a new storm water tunnel underneath downtown Minneapolis in July 2022.

More than $1 billion from a pair of infrastructure bills is headed to the Twin Cities metro area, with the money expected to kickstart road and bridge construction, fund more than 50 nonprofit organizations and launch upgrades to parks and community sports centers.

Many of the largest projects have been on the back burner for years as communities waited for state aid. Some local leaders said they were "ecstatic" to see spending for major projects across the state, especially after the 2022 legislative session ended without a bonding bill. Metro-area city and county governments and nonprofits will account for almost $1.04 billion in a mix of borrowing and cash from the $2.6 billion infrastructure package Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign Thursday in Minneapolis - the largest in state history.

"We feel really good we can move forward with our projects," said Brooklyn Park City Manager Jay Stroebel.

https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-infrastructure-minneapolis-st-paul-bonding-bill-2023-legislature-hf-669-670-mn/600279039/