Senator Torrey Westrom and the Minnesota State Legislature passed bipartisan legislation during the 2018 session that invests in critical infrastructure projects statewide, including $542 million for roads and bridges and $129.2 million for drinking and wastewater improvements. The additional investment in wastewater infrastructure for rural cities was chief-authored by Senator Westrom in the Senate.

“Preserving and improving our existing state infrastructure is a core responsibility of the legislature,” said Senator Westrom. “By prioritizing roads, bridges, and clean water, we are not only bettering our environment, but investing in the businesses and hardworking families in Greater Minnesota.”

Projects of local importance in the infrastructure bill include: $10.5 million for a railroad overpass at the junction of Highways 29 and 55 in Glenwood, $3.2 million for needed improvements to Blakely Hall and the Humanities Building at the University of Minnesota – Morris, and multiple wastewater and drinking water projects throughout Central and Western Minnesota that are eligible for state grants. Further, the bill also invested in the construction of three new veterans homes, including one in Montevideo. There is not a veterans home within 100 miles of any of the proposed locations and together, the homes would provide housing for hundreds of at-risk veterans.

“Taking care of our veterans, investing in essential water infrastructure, and maintaining our roads and bridges is the essence of what a statewide infrastructure bill should be,” added Senator Westrom. “By working across the aisle, we were able to make statewide investments that will benefit Minnesotans for years to come.”