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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Senate has approved a nearly $1.9 billion bonding package that includes funding for several major projects in the Rochester area.

The vote this afternoon was 64-3 to approve the legislation and send it to Governor Tim Walz for his signature. The package was approved last night in the Minnesota House on a vote of 100-34.

“This bill is a great big compromise and an investment in the people of Minnesota,” said Capital Investment Committee Chair Dave Senjem (R-Rochester). “From investments in wastewater treatment to emergency response centers to safe roads and bridges, every corner of our state will be better because of this bill and our commitment to the state.”

The measure appropriates $11.4 million for the reconstruction and improvement of runways at the Rochester International Airport and $6 million to fund the construction of a new interchange on Highway 14 at the junction with Olmsted County Road 104 on the west edge of Rochester. In addition, $2.5 million was approved to help pay for amenities, including an amphitheater and park pavilion at the city's new Cascade Lake Park.

Elsewhere in the region, the bonding bill provides $8.7 million for the Chatfield Center for the Arts, over $24 million in funding for a new wastewater treatment system in Oronoco, almost $7.5 million to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Austin and $7 million for a new wastewater plant in Caledonia. Another $3 million will be directed to Zumbrota for a road project and Lake City will receive $1.6 million for improvements at Hok-Si-La Park.

In addition to the infrastructure projects, the measure includes additional funding for some state programs and temporary pay increases for personal care attendants who assist people with disabilities.

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