Goodhue, Wabasha, and Winona County projects to receive bonding money

Three bonding projects carried by Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) are slated to receive funding under an $825 million bonding proposal announced today. The road- and infrastructure-heavy plan also includes funding for the Wabasha Rivertown Resurgence, railroad crossing quiet zones between Goodview and Minnesota City, and the Goodhue County Historical Society for building upgrades.

“I am pleased to see these important projects included in the Senate’s bonding proposal,” said Senator Goggin. “Competition is fierce — there are a lot of projects around the state worthy of funding. I lobbied hard for these projects, and I am glad the committee recognizes their value.”

Details about the three projects are below.

  • $8.1 million for the Wabasha Rivertown Resurgence. This project would fund riverfront improvements along the Mississippi River in Wabasha to expand access, improve dockage and landing facilities, complete ecological improvements, and expand the National Eagle Center.
  • $330,000 to add a series of railroad crossing quiet zones that consists of construction and installation of concrete median barriers and associated road improvements at five Canadian Pacific railroad crossings in the cities of Goodview and Minnesota City.
  • $616,000 for the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum to replace its HVAC system, roofing, and windows, and rehabilitate its entryway storefront.

The proposal also includes a $35 million allocation to the Rural Finance Authority (RFA). The RFA provides low-interest loans to farmers to help with startup costs for new farmers, disaster recovery, and debt restructuring.

In addition, the Senate’s bonding bill includes these priorities:

  • $342 million for statewide road and bridge projects, including the long-overdue expansion of Highway 14. This includes $60 million for Local Road Improvement Grants and $15 million for the Local Bridge Replacement program.
  • $120 million for critical sewer and water treatment infrastructure upgrades.
  • $80 million for mental health support for vulnerable Minnesotans, including $30 million to establish regional mental health crisis centers throughout the state of Minnesota.

A complete list of projects organized by priority area and by geographic region is available at www.mnfrastructure.com.