(ST. PAUL, MN) – 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.

“The provisions included in this year’s bonding bill are whittled to the most important projects in the state,” Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake). “If we are going to borrow money, it should be for long-term investments that support key infrastructure, like clean water, roads, and bridges. Fixes in these crucial areas will serve Minnesotans well in the future.”

“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.”