On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that fixes a small technical glitch in the 2018 bonding bill that potentially could have delayed several important area public works projects. The bill, which passed with wide, bipartisan support, was signed into law on Tuesday morning by Governor Tim Walz.

“We can now proceed with certainty on the important area projects funded in the bonding bill,” said Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne). “Passing these needed fixes was a true bipartisan effort and marks a big step forward. The projects – from wastewater treatment to highway expansion – affect thousands of southwestern Minnesota residents each and every day. It’s about time the legislature came to agreement and got this done.”

The legislation addresses a small technicality in the bonding bill signed into law last year, which could have prevented certain projects from moving forward. Several area projects included in last year’s bonding bill are enabled to receive funding by this legislation, including wastewater treatment facility upgrades in Mountain Lake and Lakefield, as well as sewer upgrades in Trosky. While the legislation does not specifically name these projects, they are in line to receive funding through the Public Facilities Authority’s Point Source Implementation Grant program and the Water Infrastructure Funding program.

Senator Weber continued: “The technical glitch came to a head when certain environmental groups sued the state over how certain bonds can be used. Some people seem more interested in studying problems than solving them – but after a lengthy delay, I’m looking forward to seeing these projects move forward.

Senator Bill Weber, of Luverne, represents District 22, including communities in Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock counties. Senator Weber serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Committee.