Gov. Walz signs state’s largest bonding bill to date

On Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz signed a $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. He signed it at the Ironworkers Local 512 Training Center in St. Paul.

The bill received overwhelming support in the Minnesota House and Senate.

"Our Local Jobs and Projects Plan will create thousands of good-paying jobs at a time when Minnesotans are looking for work," Walz said. "This bipartisan plan invests in the projects that local communities told us matter most to them. Whether that’s roads and bridges, clean water, or affordable housing, this plan will help ensure every community in Minnesota prospers."

Minnesota Senate passes long-delayed bonding bill

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:

• $627 million for transportation infrastructure, including local roads and bridges
• $269 million for water infrastructure projects
• $166 million for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State
• $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 Lt. Gov. 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."

According to the governor’s office, the bill also includes tax cuts for farmers and small businesses, funding to allow the Willow River and Togo correctional facilities to remain open, and temporary pay increases for personal care assistants who care for vulnerable Minnesotans.

Minnesota House approves $1.9B bonding bill, will head to Senate Thursday

In addition to being the largest bonding package passed in the state’s history, the plan was built with unprecedented public input. For the first, Minnesotans had the opportunity to comment on all bonding projects submitted for consideration.