Senate Republicans presented their bonding bill to Minnesota today. Totaling $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, the bill focuses on key infrastructure needs, projects that will get Minnesotans working, preserve the state’s assets, and stimulate the economy. The bonding dollars for roads and bridges, airports, and freight rail will provide safe and fast transportation for commerce, education, and recreation.

“I am excited to share that the bonding bill released today includes bonding dollars for the dental center in the new Wright County Government Center in Buffalo, the Highway 24 re-construction in Annandale and the new South Haven water tower and infrastructure replacement,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). “These projects are incredibly important for our communities. We prioritized responsible investments focused on infrastructure improvements and projects that will contribute to the development and betterment of our district!”

“We traveled all over the state, making five trips to see hundreds of projects,” said Capital Investment Committee Chair, Senator Dave Senjem (R- Rochester). “Of course, there are needs everywhere. This bill makes strategic public investments to spur development in communities in all four corners and the metro area. It is focused on infrastructure projects with statewide significance, transportation, clean water, and higher education.”

Keeping a heavy focus on infrastructure, there are $688 million total bonds for transportation projects, $203 million for water treatment and infrastructure for communities to access clean water, and $105 million in economic development grants. To support higher education asset preservation – the maintenance of buildings and learning environments, $170 million is split equally between the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Universities.

“Over the next several years, these projects will provide certainty Minnesota is a good place for business owners and entrepreneurs to build and grow their dreams,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake). “Bonding, along with tax relief, is the best way for us to stimulate our economy. I am very aware that today’s borrowing affects tomorrow’s spending. This bill is a responsible, generous, and targeted bill.”