Friends and neighbors –
As many of you know, this legislative session was a challenging one. I had hoped we would be able to find more opportunities to work across party lines, but unfortunately there were many times where the concerns and frustrations of Republicans and independent-minded citizens across Minnesota were being overlooked. I hope next year legislators of both parties can resume building the relationships that are so critical to our success as a state.
There were some areas where we were able to find common ground, however. One of those areas was the bonding bill.
This year’s bill provided $2.6 billion for infrastructure of regional and statewide importance, including more than $60 million in funding for critical local projects – a significant increase from the first bonding bill proposed early in the legislative session.
I have long been a strong supporter of bonding and using bonding dollars to fund critical infrastructure upgrades around the state. I know a lot of folks were worried about what might happen with these projects after the first bonding bill did not pass, but holding out for a better deal paid off and this outcome is significantly greater than the original proposal. I am glad we were able to put partisanship aside in the final days of session to get these projects done for the good of the entire state.
OWATONNA/MEDFORD WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
The bonding bill included $22 million for a grant to the city of Owatonna for design and construction of the new wastewater facility, and an additional 4.5 million will be provided to the city of Medford to demolish its existing wastewater treatment plant and design and build a connection to Owatonna’s new wastewater treatment facility from the city of Medford. The current Owatonna facility has been operating at or above capacity for a number of years, while years of neglect of Medford’s plant led to a discharge of 40,000 gallons of phosphorus into the Straight River, adding to the urgency of this project.
Owatonna and Medford have both noted that the regional facility will provide lower costs per gallon for treatment as well as better performance and reliability.
MORRISTOWN SEWER AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
The bill provided $1.5 million for a grant to the city of Morristown for the design and reconstruction of water mains, storm sewer collection systems, streets, and for other drinking water system improvements necessary to increase water pressure and volume and to reduce inflow and infiltration.
OTHER CRITICAL PROJECTS
One of the reasons that I preach the importance of good relationships is that it allows you to get things done that otherwise would not be possible. This year’s bonding bill was a great example. Because of the good relationships I have built over the years with folks on both sides of the aisle, I was also able to secure funding for a number of critical projects that I have worked on or authored during my years in the Senate:
- $5 million for the Hwy 14/44 interchange in Olmsted County
- $10 million for the North Zumbro sanitary district, which will benefit Wanamingo and four other communities
- $9.037 million for the Minnesota State Academies for asset preservation and dorm renovations
- $10 million for the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Program
- $79 million for Local Road Improvement Fund grants for undesignated communities
- $6 million for Local Road Improvement Fund grants for townships
- $67 million for the Local Bridge Replacement Program
Contact me:
If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn or 651-296-0284.
And you can always get the latest news from St. Paul on my Facebook page at fb.com/SenatorJohnJasinski.
It is a privilege to serve you!