Funding for the city of Stillwater to restore the riverbank area of the St. Croix River was included in the Senate bonding proposal unveiled on Wednesday. Approximately $1.65 million was included in the $825 million public works package, which uses the sale of bonds to finance capital investment projects across Minnesota.

“There is a critical need for this project and I am grateful the Senate Capital Investment Committee agreed and included it in the proposal,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), the original sponsor of the legislation to get the project funded. “This is an important project for our community – and I’m so proud of the work the community has done to rally around getting this project done.”

The city of Stillwater has agreed to fund the other half of the $3.3 million project, which will restore eroded portions of the riverbank and aid in protecting the sewer infrastructure that runs alongside the riverbank. The project also includes the construction of an elevated walkway.

While funding for the project was included in the Senate’s bonding proposal, it was not included in the House of Representatives or the governor’s proposals. The House of Representatives and the Senate will meet over the next week to come up with an agreeable bill for both bodies before voting and sending that bill to the governor for his signature or veto.

“I’m hopeful the House of Representatives and Governor Dayton agree that this project needs to get done,” Senator Housley continued. “It’s not only important for our region, but for our entire state. We have to do our part in taking care of the St. Croix River and its unparalleled natural beauty.”

Senator Karin Housley, of St. Marys Point, is in her second term representing District 39, which includes Stillwater, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, and other communities in Chisago and Washington counties. She serves as chairwoman of the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee.