On Saturday, May 20, legislative leaders announced a bipartisan agreement to pass a robust bonding bill and deliver $300 million in much-needed funding to the state’s struggling nursing homes. Today, the final day of the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Senate approved a bipartisan bonding bill that funds critical infrastructure projects across the state.
“All session long, I have been in favor of a robust bonding bill that delivers for not just our community, but for our whole state,” Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia) said. “When the Senate first heard the bonding bill back in March, every Republican voted ‘no’ because we knew we could do better. I am elated to see the final bonding bill passed by the Senate not only cover more projects but also deliver critical funding to keep our nursing homes open. This legislation got meaningfully stronger when it truly became bipartisan. It now delivers additional money for water projects, roads, bridges, and projects of great importance to communities throughout Minnesota.”
The agreement gave Republicans an additional $200 million in the new bonding bill. Now, Senator Coleman has successfully secured the $10 million for the state’s portion of Highway 18 improvements. This funding will make important improvements to Carver County State-Aid Highway 18, known as West 82nd Street, from Bavaria Road to marked Trunk Highway 41. Specifically, this project will revitalize cross streets, off-street trails, a bridge over a ravine and trail, and utility relocations, installations, and connections.
“Never accept the first offer you’re given. The first version of the bonding bill only funded Highway 18 at $3.76 million, but by holding strong, Senate Republicans and I were able to deliver critical nursing home funding, fully fund the state portion of Highway 18, and put funding into two other Carver County projects,” said Senator Coleman. “Despite being in the minority, I am honored to continue to deliver for our community.”
Additionally, the Downtown Chaska revitalization project received $5.4 million. The City of Chaska will use this funding for the City Square West redevelopment project, which will have a mix of residential, retail and plaza space.
“The City Square West project will bring countless new economic opportunities to Downtown Chaska,” Senator Coleman said “The City Square West will be a place where our neighbors will live, work and enjoy our beautiful downtown. This $5.4 million in funding will be integral to making our community’s vision a reality.”
Finally, the bonding bill includes $1.06 million in starter money for the Cologne wastewater treatment facility. The City of Cologne’s wastewater treatment facility is over 25 years old and urgently needs upgrades to meet current permit standards and accommodate The City’s growth.
“By modernizing the City of Cologne’s wastewater treatment facility, we will ensure that rates remain affordable for community residents. This is an issue I worked closely on with the Cologne mayor and city administrator, and I will continue to advocate for the necessary funding to get this project to the finish line,” Senator Coleman concluded.