On Saturday, the Minnesota Senate unveiled a $998 million infrastructure bonding bill that would deliver funding for roads and bridges, clean water, and several projects in southeastern Minnesota, as well as local roads and bridges and other critical statewide infrastructure. The bill includes $25 million for a new interchange at U.S. Highway 14 and County Road 104 in Olmsted County, $11 million for the Rochester International Airport, and $7 million for the final phase of the Chatfield Center for the Arts project.
“I am thrilled these important projects I have advocated for are included in the Senate’s infrastructure bill,” said Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “They will bring jobs, help our local economy, and – in the case of the airport and highway 14 – make sure residents and travelers are safe. I am glad that my colleagues recognize how important these projects are and are willing to invest the necessary resources to keep our area thriving.”
HIGHWAY 14/COUNTY ROAD 104 INTERCHANGE
The bill includes $25 million to build a safer interchange at the intersection of Highway 14 and County Road 104 in Olmsted County. The busy intersection is incredibly dangerous due to high traffic volumes, high rates of speed, and challenging sight lines. The funding would be used to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new interchange at the intersection.
ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The bill includes $11 million for reconstruction and improvements of runways at the Rochester International Airport (RST). RST handles the second-largest volume of passengers in Minnesota and is served by the three legacy air carriers, but existing runway pavements are nearing the end of their useful lives and require reconstruction in the near-term to allow for continued access to the Rochester community and world-class health care by air.
CHATFIELD CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The bill contains $7 million for the final phase of the Chatfield Center for the Arts project, which bolsters the economy and livability of the region for residents and visitors alike. The funding will help complete the rehabilitation of several buildings, including the 1916 former high school building, the 1936 auditorium building, and the structure that links the two buildings, as well as landscaping and other improvements and renovations.
LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES
In addition, the bill calls for $8 million for a new Township Road Improvement Grant Program, with an advisory committee consisting of township officers and engineers who work in townships to provide recommendations on which projects are the most in need of funding. Considerations will include the availability of other funding; the effectiveness of the program in eliminating an existing deficiency; the number of people who will be positively impacted by the project; the project’s contribution to economic development or redevelopment, including agriculture, logging, and mining operations; and the ability of the town to provide for the safe operation and maintenance of the road upon the project’s completion.
The bill also includes additional road and bridge funding for small communities, especially in Greater Minnesota – namely, $25 million for local bridge replacement and rehabilitation and $80 million for local road improvements.
The Senate’s bonding bill totals $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, and focuses on key infrastructure needs that will get Minnesotans working, preserve the state’s assets, and stimulate the economy. The bill includes $688 million total bonds for transportation projects, $203 million for water treatment and infrastructure for communities to access clean water, and $105 million in economic development grants. To support higher education asset preservation – the maintenance of buildings and learning environments, $170 million is split equally between the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Universities.