There still is no agreement on the size and scope of a state bonding bill, with just ten days left in the legislative session. At stake is a project to remove lead pipes in Minnesota, and help make drinking water safer.
Among those pushing for a bonding bill, members of the union, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, which represents nearly 14,000 skilled construction and general laborers.
LIUNA President Joel Smith says crews have been working to replace lead service lines in the state with money that was approved last year. But, if lawmakers don't pass a bonding bill in 2026, that work diminishes greatly.
"If this legislation does not act in the next two weeks, next year's construction season will replace less than half of the pipes we removed this year," says Smith.
Two weeks is still plenty of time to get a deal done, and DFL State Senator Sandy Pappas says they are still negotiating.
"Of course, this is the bonding bill year, and yet we still are 10 days until the end of session," says Pappas. "And I have to say, I'm a really nervous Nelly about the whole thing."
DFL Caucus leadership has set a self-imposed deadline of this weekend for negotiations that may reveal if it will be able to move forward or not.
Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria), who is on the House Capitol Investment Committee, says it's important that the state's infrastructure remain in good shape.
"We bond because it's our responsibility to take care of public assets, water projects, local roads and bridges, and state-owned properties," Franson adds.
Three years ago, the legislature passed a bill calling for the replacement of all lead service lines in the state. Cities were given down payments to start mapping out that lines needed replacement.
If no bonding bill is passed, Franson says those replacements would not be made.
The total cost of the lead line replacement in Minnesota is estimated at $1.5 billion, based on a 2025 estimate from the Department of Health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a 2037 goal for replacing all lead service lines nationwide.
The biggest issue facing lawmakers is the size of the bonding package.
"I have to say, I'm a really nervous Nelly about the whole thing"
"I have to say, I'm a really nervous Nelly about the whole thing"
