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Dayton signs bill to fund state public works

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May 11, 2012 at 2:46 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a nearly $500 million public works package that includes money for college buildings, flood prevention and local roads and bridges.

Dayton had wanted more projects as a boost to Minnesota's construction industry, but he said the bill was better than nothing as he signed it Friday.

The largest chunks of money go to higher education: $64 million for the University of Minnesota and $132 million for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Flood prevention projects get $30 million and transportation projects $49 million.

The bill also provides $44 million for work on the Capitol. Preservationists had wanted a more expensive full-scale renovation.