- Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a $982 million public infrastructure plan that primarily focuses on preserving existing buildings and facilities.
- The proposal, known as the bond bill, will be the centerpiece of the governor's agenda in the 2024 legislative session.
- The plan aims to protect drinking water, improve roads and bridges, ensure public safety, and support safe housing.
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday proposed a $982 million public infrastructure plan that includes a new headquarters for the Minnesota State Patrol, but focuses primarily on the modest mission of preserving existing buildings and facilities.
The package, known as the bond bill, will be the centerpiece of the governor's agenda when the 2024 Legislature convenes on Feb. 12. Typically, bond bills are the main focus of Congress in even-numbered years. The national budget for the year is set.
Walz said his plan would protect drinking water, improve roads and bridges, protect public safety and support safe housing. His proposal follows a record $2.6 billion bond package that lawmakers passed in May. But within the $830 million budget officials estimate, the state can safely borrow through general obligation bonds while maintaining a triple-A credit rating, leaving limited cash available for new spending. There is. The interest rate on the bonds is expected to be 4.3%.
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“This is my biggest show of this Congress,” Walz said at a news conference.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a press conference at the state capitol in St. Paul, Minn., January 16, 2024, as he proposes a $982 million public infrastructure plan that includes a new headquarters for the Minnesota State Patrol. The main focus was on: Preserve existing buildings and facilities. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell said 45 percent of the proposed budget, or $387 million, would be earmarked for renovations and improvements to existing facilities owned by state agencies and higher education institutions. The average age of the state's buildings is 42 years, so major repairs, upgrades and replacements are needed, she said.
“We need to invest in these assets now to begin addressing the $6.4 billion in deferred maintenance on our state's infrastructure,” Campbell said. “Investing in our facility is the fiscally responsible thing to do.”
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The Democratic governor's proposal includes $142 million for public safety projects, including $22 million to acquire land and begin the design process for a new State Patrol headquarters. The plan is for him to consolidate operations, currently spread across his six different office spaces in Minneapolis and St. Louis, into one. pole area.
“This is not about replacing the command center,” said Col. Matt Langer, the agency's director. “This is about charting the future of the Minnesota State Patrol.”
The public safety component includes $48 million for a Criminal Enforcement Agency facility in Mankato that primarily provides laboratory and other investigative services to local law enforcement agencies throughout southern Minnesota, as well as space for rehabilitation, education, and health programs. The expansion includes $47 million. Rush City State Prison.
Walz did not include any updates on the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, home of the Minnesota Wild, which could require as much as $300 million to renovate the 23-year-old arena. We estimate that there is. Walz said it is. That's because neither the NHL team nor the city have yet submitted a formal proposal.
“I think we can foresee something like that coming and we'll deal with it when it happens,” Walz said.
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Lawmakers will have their own ideas about what should be included in the bond bill. The state constitution requires a supermajority of 60% in both chambers to approve additional debt. Democrats hold narrow majorities in each chamber and would need some Republicans to support the plan.
Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, the top Republican in charge of capital investment issues, said in a statement that she is concerned that the governor's proposal does not include enough funding to address local needs. Ta. She also suggested wastewater treatment and crumbling roads are priorities.
But Walz said he is confident the final package will receive strong bipartisan support because it will benefit communities across the state.
“Maintaining infrastructure is a very conservative value,” he says.
