Senate Republicans today unveiled an $825 million “bricks and mortar” bonding bill that prioritizes critical road repairs, statewide infrastructure, and care for elderly veterans and people with mental health emergencies. The bill also includes $224 million in Trunk Highway Bonds.

“Whether it is safer roads, better mental health treatment, or cleaner water, we put together a bill that will do the most good for Minnesota families,” said Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester), chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee. “There are a lot of important projects around the state, but our plan uses taxpayer dollars responsibly, on the most critical projects.”

“Early this year, the Capital Investment Committee traveled thousands of miles on a statewide bonding tour to hear directly from communities about the importance of their projects,” added Sen. Senjem. “The impassioned feedback we heard is reflected in the Senate’s bonding proposal.”

Building on last year’s landmark investments in Minnesota’s roads and bridges, the 2018 Senate bonding bill dedicates more than $342 million to statewide transportation projects — including full funding for the long-delayed expansion of Highway 14.

Cities throughout the state will be able to better deliver clean water to their residents thanks to $120 million allocated for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.

The Senate’s bonding proposal continues a bipartisan commitment to caring for the men and women who selflessly served their country in the armed forces, with full funding for three proposed veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. Currently, there is not a veterans home within 100 miles of any of those cities. Together, the homes would provide housing for hundreds of at-risk veterans.

Men and women facing urgent mental health struggles will receive more effective treatment and better results thanks to a $30 million investment to establish regional mental health crisis centers throughout Minnesota. These facilities, which will prevent emergency room overflow, are part of the Senate bonding bill’s $80 million commitment to mental health support for vulnerable Minnesotans.

For a full list of projects organized by priority area, please visit the Senate’s Capital Investment website at www.mnfrastructure.com.