$986M Bonding Bill Invests in Minnesota Infrastructure Improvements

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton introduced a bonding proposal that would invest $986 million in infrastructure projects statewide, creating more than 27,000 Minnesota jobs. This new jobs bill would help addresses many of the state's critical infrastructure needs, while strengthening Minnesota's economy and getting people back to work.

“My proposals will put thousands of Minnesotans to work throughout our state,” said Gov. Dayton. “This bill gives priority to projects that are ready to go. Many of them have been delayed for years and are crucial to revitalizing downtown business centers, modernizing MnSCU and U of M buildings and classrooms and improving parks, roads and local infrastructure.”

Regional civic centers and downtown improvements
The governor's bonding proposal invests over $104 million in downtown areas and regional centers statewide — projects that will create jobs, attract additional private investment and support economic development in communities across Minnesota. Some of those downtown investments include :

• $37 million for the Rochester Mayo Civic Center expansion
• $20 million for revitalization of Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis
• $14.5 million for a new addition to the Mankato Civic Center (Minnesota State Arena)
• $14 million to expand and renovate the Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul
• $11.6 million for an expansion of the St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center
• $6.9 million for renovation of the historic NorShor Theatre in Duluth

Higher education
The bonding proposal also invests $233 million in the state's higher education systems. Highlights of education projects included in the bill are:

• $80 million for asset preservation and replacement at MnSCU and University of Minnesota campuses statewide ($40 million in HEAPR funds for each system)
• $74 million for additional infrastructure improvements at 17 MnSCU campuses statewide
• $56.7 million for renovation of the University of Minnesota's Tate Science and Teaching building
• $12 million for the University of Minnesota's Research and Laboratory Improvement Fund

Roads and bridges
Investing in strong, reliable transportation infrastructure is a critical part of building an economic environment where businesses can thrive. Investments will help support and attract businesses, and put hundreds of Minnesotans back to work in the construction trades. That is why the governor's bonding proposal invests over $79 million in transportation infrastructure. Some projects include :

• $30 million to fund bridge repair and replacements statewide
• $29 million for roads and bridges at the TCAAP site in Arden Hills
• $10 million for local roads improvements

State Capitol restoration
The bonding proposal invests an additional $126.3 million to complete the state Capitol restoration process. Completing the restoration will ensure the building remains functional and safe for the next 100 years. For three decades, plans for repairing the aging building have been debated and neglected. But the funding provided in this bonding proposal will complete restoration of the building by the end of 2016. Restoration measures include repairs to the deteriorating building façade, and modernization of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, security and telecommunications systems.

For more information and additional investments, visit mn.gov/governor.