At the Ironworkers Local 512 Training Center in St. Paul, Governor Tim Walz signed the $1.9 billion Local Jobs and Projects Plan that will invest in construction and renovation projects across the state and create thousands of jobs for Minnesotans. This plan will play a critical role in spurring the state’s economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1.87 billion bonding bill will help pay for hundreds of infrastructure projects that will bring long-term benefits to communities across the state, including:
$166 million for Minnesota State ($90M) and the University of Minnesota ($76M)
$627 million for transportation infrastructure, including local roads and bridges
$269 million for water infrastructure projects
$116 million for safe and affordable housing
“This historic bonding bill includes investments that will help build stronger, safer, and more equitable communities across the state. When we listen to, partner with, and invest in communities, we get better results. I’m grateful to the community leaders and legislative partners who worked with us to get this done, including $30 million dedicated to BIPOC communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “These projects reflect our commitment to the world-class educational institutions, affordable housing, and safe infrastructure that make Minnesota one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”
The bill also includes temporary pay increases for personal care assistants who care for vulnerable Minnesotans, funding to allow the Willow River and Togo correctional facilities to remain open, and tax cuts for farmers and small businesses.
For Minnesota State, the projects and HEAPR amount can be found below:
Total General Obligation Bonds: $76.041 million
Total MinnState Financing: $14.847 million
GRAND TOTAL: $90.888 million
Higher Education Asset Preservation & Replacement (HEAPR): $46.347 million
Minneapolis College/Metropolitan State University - Management Education Center Design/Renovation: $990,000
Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Nursing & Business Classroom Renovation: $16.282 million
Normandale Community College - Classroom & Student Services Renovation: $26.634 million
Pine Technical & Community College - Technical Trades Labs Design: $635,000
For more information about these specific projects, click here.
A full list of projects included in the bill is available here.