Walz highlights proposed infrastructure projects in start of state tour

Gov. Tim Walz kicked off a statewide tour on Monday, highlighting infrastructure projects that have been proposed around Minnesota.

The governor discussed some of those projects during a visit to St. Paul College at 1 p.m.

It came after lawmakers approved using $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds and another $1 billion in cash for infrastructure projects during this year’s legislative session.

That funding covers a wide range of projects, from local road construction to upgrades for facilities like fire stations and wastewater treatment plants.

Bonding bills are typically approved during even-year sessions, meaning lawmakers could look to approve another, likely smaller, bonding bill during next year’s session.

Walz said he didn’t have a finalized projection for a bonding bill next year but estimated he’d have a goal of around $1 billion. He added that he would expect it to have bipartisan support, although it was a struggle this year as Republicans used the rare leverage they had to stall the bill.

Lawmakers will start the new session on Feb. 12, 2024.