SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In Senate Finance Committee action Friday, an additional $7.8 million was secured for capital investment needs in Senate District 3 thanks to the efforts of Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown), bringing the total amount of Northeast Minnesota funding included in the proposed Senate bonding bill to approximately $57.11 million.
“Our communities are the lifeblood of the Northland, but they’ve been left behind as our state government failed to get a bonding bill done over the past three years,” said Sen. Hauschild. “Investing in these projects is critical to creating good-paying jobs, securing housing developments, providing recreational opportunities, and strengthening our communities throughout our region for years to come. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put politics aside and make the decision that this is the year that we finally pass a bonding bill.”
The following bonding projects were added in the Finance Committee today:
- $1.55 Million – St. Louis County all-terrain vehicle trail systems capital improvements bond issue and appropriation.
- $1 Million – International Falls regional health and wellness center bond issue and appropriation This would provide them planning/design money.
- $2 Million – Babbitt water, sewer and utility improvements bond issue and appropriation.
- $1.5 Million – Bigfork grant bond issue and appropriation for the community center enhancement project.
- $1.75 Million – Hoyt Lakes Community Recreation and Wellness Center improvements bond issue and appropriation
The funding secured today builds on the following projects already included in the Senate Capital Investment proposals:
- $7.745 million for expansions and improvements for the Hermantown Ice Arena.
- $3.633 million for classroom and common space renovations at Vermilion Community College in Ely.
- $3 million to repair and reconstruct the Nett Lake Dam in Koochiching County.
- $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, among other improvements.
- $4 million for construction of the Gitchi Gami Trail.
- $3.5 million for the construction of a safe harbor on Rainy Lake and Rainy River at the Gateway to Voyageurs National Park in Ranier.
- $1.294 million for Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District debt retirement to bring the district’s monthly wastewater rates in line with those of similarly situated facilities across the state.
- $12.2 million for upgrades to snowmaking infrastructure at Giants Ridge.
- $1.138 million for construction of two miles of the Mesabi Trail.
- $1.8 million for water, sewer, and utilities extensions at Rice Lake.
The Capital Investment bill, which pays for infrastructure projects through state-issued bonds, requires approval by a two-thirds majority in order to pass. Senator Hauschild said that he’s working hard to secure the necessary votes across the aisle to pass the Senate Bonding Bill given the urgency of infrastructure needs for Northeast Minnesota
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Learn more about Sen. Hauschild.
