Senate Bonding Plan Has $60 Million For Rochester Area

Saint Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Republican leaders of the Minnesota Senate today unveiled a $1.4 billion bonding bill that includes over $60 million for projects in the Rochester area.

Rochester State Senator David Senjem chairs the Senate Senate Capital Investment Committee. He says the Senate proposal includes $25.6 million for a new interchange on Highway 14 at Olmsted County Road 104 on the west edge of Rochester, $11.4 million for a major runway reconstruction project at the Rochester Airport, and just over $24 million to help fund wastewater infrastructure in Oronoco. Senjem says $250,000 would also be directed to establishing a memorial to Mayo Clinic founders William and Charles Mayo on the grounds of the State Capitol.

“We worked hard to put together a bill that makes strong investments in critical infrastructure and asset preservation across the State of Minnesota. Our proposal includes several key initiatives for southeastern Minnesota that make long-term investments in our local economies. This bill will bring jobs and economic growth to our area and beyond,” said Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester), chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee. “This is a strategic public investment to spur development in communities in all areas of our state. It is focused on infrastructure projects with statewide significance, transportation, clean water, and higher education.”

Overall, the Senate Republican plans funds $688 million in transportation projects, $203 million for wastewater treatment infrastructure and other water quality projects, $170 million for maintaining buildings and other infrastructure in the state’s higher education systems, and $105 million for economic development grants.

With Monday’s adjournment deadline for the 2020 legislative session fast approaching, whether a bonding bill actually reaches the desk of Governor Tim Walz remains a big question mark. A $2 billion bonding package proposed by Democrats in the State House fell a half-dozen votes shy of the super-majority needed for passage earlier in the day on Saturday.

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