The Minnesota House approved a $1.5 billion bonding bill (HF 669) and a $393 million cash bill (HF 670) for statewide capital investment this week.
Work on both bills began last session.
Through HF 669, General Obligation (GO) bonds would be tapped to address existing infrastructure and leverage federal funds for certain projects. The legislation will focus on restoring and protecting the state’s natural spaces, funding critical infrastructure, such as water and transportation systems, and spending to acquire better public land and buildings, among others.
“The work of a bipartisan infrastructure bill never stopped, and today we are one step closer to delivering on the investments communities across the state have been urgently waiting for,” Rep. Fue Lee (DFL – Minneapolis), author of the bills and Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, said. “These investments take care of what we already have while lifting up communities too often left behind when it comes to capital investment. Whether it’s a road they’ll drive on, water they’ll drink, a college they’ll attend, a trail they’ll walk, or a home they’ll live in – this bill isn’t just for today’s Minnesotans, but tomorrow’s. It’s time to pass the business of 2022, so we can move on to the work of 2023.”
As to HF 670, cash from the general fund would allow for funding to projects such as community flood protections, safer nonmotorized transportation options, clean water provisions, expansion of local recreational opportunities, and more. Investments would also be divided out to BIPOC-led nonprofits offering essential community services.
“Minnesotans deserve safe, strong, and inclusive communities — and updating our infrastructure is part of how we make that happen. High-quality infrastructure delivers the essential services Minnesotans rely on and contributes to our economic security and well-being,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL – Brooklyn Park) said. “These bills are full of important infrastructure projects that will strengthen our communities and create jobs — helping Minnesota be successful now and into the future.”
House File 669 passed on a vote of 91-43, while HF 670 passed 93-36.