Senator Carla Nelson and the Minnesota Legislature passed a bipartisan “bricks and mortar” bonding bill that prioritizes critical road repairs, essential infrastructure, safe schools, and care for elderly, veterans, and people with mental health emergencies. Significantly, the bill includes the completion of the Highway 14 four-lane expansion project. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
“After Governor Dayton’s Department of Transportation failed to deliver a single cent towards Highway 14 through their initial round of Corridors of Commerce funding, I publicly called for bonding dollars to fund the desperately needed project,” said Senator Nelson, a member of Senate Capital Investment Committee responsible for crafting the legislation. “This bill delivers on that promise and will improve safety on Highway 14 and strengthen a vital artery of commerce through Southern Minnesota.”
The proposal also includes other projects of interest to Olmsted Count residents – Chester Woods State Trail, Lake Zumbro, the Rochester city bus garage, an opportunity for a regional mental health crisis center, and critical facility upgrades at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC).
“These projects have been in the works for years,” added Senator Nelson. “I am thrilled that we were able to finally get these important transportation, education, and trail projects funded. I congratulate local citizens for their tenacious advocacy. Working diligently together we can, and did, accomplish much.”
Cities throughout the state, especially in Greater Minnesota, will be able to better deliver clean water to their residents thanks to $129.2 million allocated for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
“Investing in public infrastructure is the essence of what a capital investment bill should be,” said Senator Nelson. “Our communities across Greater Minnesota have been saddled with new regulations that come at exorbitant costs, and this proposal including my legislation calling for a scientific review and cost benefit analysis of regulations, would ensure clean water without bankrupting our rural municipalities.”
Three proposed veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston are funded in the bill. 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.
“Serving in the armed forces is the greatest sacrifice one can make for our country,” stated Senator Nelson. “The bill funds three veterans home, including one in Southern Minnesota, that will ensure those who make that sacrifice are cared for and respected.”
Individuals experiencing urgent mental health struggles will receive more effective treatment and better results thanks to the establishment of regional mental health crisis centers throughout Minnesota. These facilities, which will prevent emergency room overflow, are part of the Senate infrastructure bill’s commitment to mental health support for vulnerable Minnesotans.
“By prioritizing critical road and bridge repairs, statewide sewer and water infrastructure, and care for our elders, schools, veterans, and our neighbors with mental health emergencies, this bill invests in the core values of Minnesotans,” concluded Senator Nelson. “I hope Governor Dayton joins the Republican-led legislature in advancing Minnesota’s future with his signature on this bill.”