A deal with the Governor to borrow $373 million, up from $107 million that passed the Senate

Credit: David J. Oakes, MN House

While it used to be the case that odd years at the legislature were for budgeting, and even years for bonding, the politicians now pass bonding bills annually.   While budget bills are still in limbo, legislative leaders and the Governor have agreed to a bonding bill for the upcoming special session.

Dayton’s original bonding proposal was $842 million. The Senate passed a $107 million bonding bill at the end of session, but there was no time left for the House to take a vote.

The new $373 million deal has a  local projects included that will likely bring votes needed for passage. St. Paul projects, including the ongoing Capitol renovation, win big with at least $78 million allocated.

The bill requires a 3/5 majority to pass both chambers.  DFL support is expected, Republicans who ran on promises of cutting spending will have a harder time taking the vote.

Here are some of the other projects included in the proposed bill:

$171 million for transportation projects

$33 million for Capitol restoration

$32 million to MNSCU for a health and science building addition at St. Paul College,  building renovations and additions at Dakota and Scott County Technical colleges and for classrooms,  a power line facility and geothermal projects at Minnesota West Community college with campuses in Worthington and Granite Falls

$26 million to the University of Minnesota for a new veterinary building and poultry testing lab in St. Paul

$19 million for the Lewis and Clark water project in southern Minnesota

$11 million to the Pollution Control agency for waste management and a water program

$10 million for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for government-subsidized housing projects

$3 million for flood hazard mitigation grants

$4.7 million for his Buffer plan

$1.5 million to the Met Council for Inflow and Infiltration grants

$1.2 million for the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in St. Louis County

$560,000 for a less restrictive way for the state to house sex offenders 

$500,000 for the pre-design of the $34 million plan to renovate Ft. Snelling

$300,000 for the Sauk Center Eagle’s Nest Veterans Home

$100,000 for the Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum

$50,000 for the potato inspection facility in East Grand Forks