Public works projects in Minnesota to take flight

Communities across Minnesota will soon see an infusion of state aid for public works projects after lawmakers approved a $1.2 billion bonding bill during the spring session.

The package will help finance projects such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

Rep. Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis, said the investments will save residents money because local governments and other entities will not have to cover the full cost.

“We have funding to protect our natural resources, to protect our assets, for the DNR, our state parks and trails,” Lee outlined.

The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, which represents state workers, said the package funds many of its members’ needs, though often at lower levels than the union wanted. The union noted the exclusion of an infrastructure project serving the state-owned Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center but applauded funding for the Faribault Vocational Programs Building, citing the importance of inmate and staff safety.

Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, said the measure is not a Republican or Democratic bill but a bipartisan package to help cover infrastructure needs across the state. She pointed out despite the size of the bill, today’s dollars do not stretch as far as they used to, making it difficult to include every request.

Franson added lawmakers understand there are still major funding gaps and described the package as a down payment.

“Our water is getting dirtier and we are falling farther and farther behind on asset preservation,” Franson stressed. “There is a lot of work to do, and it’s going to take all of us to see it across the finish line.”

She suggested during the next session lawmakers take a closer look at creating a dedicated funding stream to support public works projects left out.

The League of Minnesota Cities said the bill was notable for the level of funding directed to city infrastructure needs.