Gov. Walz Readies Bonding Bill Proposal

(KNSI) – Minnesota’s top elected official is getting ready to unveil his bonding bill wish list.

Governor Tim Walz will release his selections for proposed infrastructure projects on Tuesday afternoon. The governor’s bonding bill will come out about a month before the start of the 2024 Legislative session on February 12th. Minnesota is considering borrowing anywhere from $1 to $2 billion to dole out to communities across the state.

Local leaders in St. Cloud will be eyeing the governor’s choices closely. Officials have spent weeks talking to lawmakers about what they want to see the state help cover in the area.

Elected officials have formally requested $100 million to help connect and revitalize downtown St. Cloud, asked for $13 million for a medical school on the CentraCare Plaza Campus, and $10 million for sewer improvements in St. Joseph. The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park is asking for $5.5 million to expand parking around the venue and build another set of bathrooms, St. Cloud State University is looking for help to upgrade some buildings, and Sauk Rapids wants $3.6 million to help reduce PFAS in the water.

After the governor releases his preferences, the House and Senate will each come up with their proposals. The three plans will be combined and whittled down before needing a super-majority vote of 60% to pass.

Minnesota approved $1.5 billion in borrowing during the 2023 session. One of the big winners was the Great River Children’s Musuem in downtown St. Cloud. The $7 million it received, combined with the group’s own fundraising efforts, was enough to cover the cost of construction. The building is expected to open to the public in late 2024.

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