St. Paul, MN– The Minnesota House of Representatives gave final approval on Monday to legislation that provides funding for a variety of projects around the state with a heavy emphasis on public infrastructure like clean water, wastewater treatment, roads, bridges, flood mitigation, and preservation of state-owned assets. State Representative Roger Skraba, R-Ely, was able to secure funding for 10 projects for House District 3A.
“The bonding bill is important for communities in our area that depend on this funding to address critical infrastructure needs,” said Skraba. “I appreciate the work from members on both sides of the aisle that helped get this bill across the finish line. This is a good bill for the Northland, and one that we can all be proud to support. Not only will it strengthen our communities and help fund important projects, it will also provide good paying jobs for men and women in labor that work on these job sites. This is a win-win for all of us.”
Local projects to receive funding include:
- $3.633 million for classroom and common space renovations at Vermillion Community College in Ely.
- $11 million for several infrastructure improvements at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.
- $4 million for construction of the Gitchi Gami Trail.
- $3.5 million for the construction of a safe harbor on Rainy Lake and Rainy River at the Gateway to Voyageurs National Park in Ranier.
- $1.294 million for capital improvements to Voyageur Country, Prospector Loop, and Quad Cities ATV trail systems.
- $1.5 million for construction and expansion of the Bigfork Community Center.
- $1.75 million for capital improvements to the community recreation and wellness center in Hoyt Lakes.
- $1 million for expansion at the International Falls Regional Health and Wellness Center.
- $385,000 to construct exhibit at St. Louis County mining exhibit.
- $2 million for improvements to clean water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and utilities in Babbitt.
The bill now heads to Governor Walz’s desk where it awaits his signature.
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