Governor Tim Walz signed the largest infrastructure bill in state history into law Thursay. The $2.6 billion will be used for hundreds of projects across the state including one on the University of Minnesota Campus.
Dan McConnell is president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trade Council. He says work is expected to begin Monday on the Fraser Project.
“In 25 years in trades, there’s been lots of talk about projects being shovel ready, but I’ve never seen one this shovel ready,” says McConnell. “They expect to turn a shovel on Monday. Put together a project that will employee 175 workers over 26 months, and be done delivering a state-of-the-art chemistry lab well in time for the start of 2025 classes.”
The money will be used for a variety of projects including the repair and improvement of roads and bridges, as well as fire stations, park and community center improvements.
“This infrastructure bill is about making life safer and easier for Minnesotans and delivering on the most basic things that government should provide: reliable roads, clean drinking water, and sound infrastructure to support safe, healthy communities,” said Governor Walz Thursday. “With this investment, we’re going to rebuild our roads and bridges, repair fire stations and water treatment plants, and upgrade our veterans homes, fish hatcheries, and flood mitigation systems – all while creating good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. This is how we put a down payment on the future of our state.”
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The infrastructure bill will put money towards:
$403 million for transportation infrastructure, including local roads and bridges
$501 million for water infrastructure projects
$78 million for the Hastings Veterans Home
$20 million for the Waterville fish hatchery
$72 million for bus rapid transit
$72 million for public housing rehabilitation
Over $120 million for community-based organizations and nonprofits
Governor Walz signed the infrastructure bill along the Mississippi River near the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Funding for reconstructing the bridge is including in the bill.