Final Bonding Deal is Largest in State History & Includes $300 Million for Nursing Homes
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL—Hermantown) announced Saturday afternoon that a deal had been reached to pass $300 million in funding for Minnesota’s nursing homes as well as a bonding bill that includes nearly $40 million in projects for the Northland.
“As I’ve visited communities across the Northland over the last year, I continue to hear concerns about the health of our nursing homes,” said Hauschild. “Our long-term care providers ensure that the wisest among us are cared for when they need it most, and we have an obligation to sustain their long-term viability in our rural communities. This critical and historic funding for nursing homes will go a long way in keeping our seniors cared for here in Northeastern Minnesota.”
The final agreement includes a bonding bill with $40 million in projects in the Arrowhead.
“This is a win-win scenario for our region,” added Hauschild. “We are providing critical infrastructure funding for projects in communities throughout the Northland while also guaranteeing our nursing homes, from Ely to Grand Marais, have the funding they need to continue to serve our communities.”
The final agreement includes a standard bonding bill totaling $1.5 billion as well as a cash bonding bill totaling $1.12 billion. Senator Hauschild secured the following projects in his district:
- $2 Million for Babbitt water, sewer, and utility improvements
- $7.745 million for Hermantown Ice Arena expansions and improvements
- $1.5 Million grant for the Bigfork community center
- $1.75 Million for improvement on the Hoyt Lakes Community Recreation and Wellness Center
- $1.8 million for water, sewer, and utilities extensions at Rice Lake
- $1 Million in funding for planning and designing the International Falls regional health and wellness center
- $4 million for extension of the Gitchi Gami Trail
- $3.5 million for the construction of a marina in the City of Ranier
- $3.63 million for classroom and common space renovations at Vermilion Community College in Ely
- $11 million for several infrastructure improvements at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, including the design and construction of a visitor center, camping facilities and trails, and other improvements
- $1.3 Million for St. Louis County all-terrain vehicle trail systems improvements
Hauschild added that the Tax Conference Committee reached an agreement Saturday, which includes his Mineral Article for projects on the Iron Range, including:
- $750,000 to the Boundary Waters Care Center
- $700,000 to the Cook County Historical Society
- $650,000 to School District 2142, the Northwoods School in Cook
- $200,000 to Veterans on the Lake Resort in Ely
- $200,000 to the City of Babbitt for capital improvements
- $250,000 for St. Louis County 4H clubs
- $100,000 to the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club
- $100,000 for the Voyageur Trail Society
- $100,000 to the Babbitt ATV and Snowmobile Club
- $100,000 to the Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club
Photo courtesy of Senate Media. Description: Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL–Hermantown) visits with Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL—Saint Paul), Chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee, on the floor of the Minnesota Senate.
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Learn more about Sen. Hauschild.
