Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has proposed spending nearly $1 billion dollars to update the state’s roads and improve public safety.
Walz’s $982 million public works proposal comes about eight months after the Minnesota Legislature approved the largest infrastructure package in the state’s history. Lawmakers approved a $2.6 billion infrastructure bill known as a bonding bill, according to the Minnesota Reformer.
Walz said his nearly $1 billion proposal which consists of $819 million in general obligation bonds with the rest in other financing and cash will move the state into “the golden age of construction and infrastructure in Minnesota.”
“Another key part of this plan is going to be preserving what we already have. The infrastructure in the state from corner to corner is our greatest asset,” Walz said in a statement. “It also is irresponsible to not make sure you’re keeping up the maintenance on those.”
Nearly half of Walz’s proposed funding is allocated toward maintenance on existing infrastructure.
Walz’s plan also includes some new construction, like new public safety buildings and water infrastructure projects.
Last year’s package included $1.5 billion in borrowing through bonds, requiring a legislative supermajority, while about $1.1 billion was funded through cash.
See a full list of the governor’s proposed infrastructure projects here.
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Source: Minnesota Reformer
