Walz Proposes To Invest More Than $980 Million In Infrastructure This Year

Minnesota plans to invest a total of $982 million into water, transportation, housing, public safety and other infrastructure needs across the the state.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan proposed the state spend nearly $1 billion this year on infrastructure, with almost half going toward maintaining and rebuilding already existing, taxpayer-funded facilities.

According to a statement from the governor's office Tuesday, the state plans to invest a total of $982 million into water, transportation, housing and public safety infrastructure. Walz said $387 million alone will go toward fixing and preserving buildings for higher education and state agencies.

"I'm proposing an infrastructure bill today to protect drinking water, improve roads and bridges, keep communities safe and public safety and support safe housing," Walz said.

The bill also allocated funds for a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters and grant programs to address polluted drinking water containing cancer-causing chemicals, such as PFAS — a topic that's had a lot of attention in recent years.

Highlights (numbers are approximations):

• $440 million for existing state infrastructure
• $215 million for water systems and transportation infrastructure
• $142 million for public safety infrastructure
• $97 million for improved housing
• $85 million for other infrastructure needs

Initiatives:

• Lead pipe replacement
• Rehabilitative programming and education for incarcerated Minnesotans
• Safe and improved housing for families, seniors, veterans and people experiencing homelessness
• Ensured access to early childhood programming

“Infrastructure investments like those laid out in our plan are one critical way we ensure we’re making life easier for all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “In addition to the important infrastructure investments, this plan will help more Minnesotans find a safe, affordable place to call home and create additional early childhood programs and facilities to continue to put Minnesota on a path to becoming the best state for kids and families.”

The bonding bill in Minnesota takes three-fifths of the legislature's support to pass, meaning Walz still needs to dig up some Republican votes.

In response to the proposal, GOP Senator Karin Housley said she is concerned there isn't more money aimed toward local needs across the state, such as wastewater treatment and crumbling roads.

For more information about the state's 2024 infrastructure plan, click here.

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SOURCE: KARE 11