Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is in an enviable position. Unlike in most other states, Minnesota’s state treasury is sitting pretty with a $1.9 billion surplus. With those funds securely in hand, Dayton recently proposed borrowing $1.4 billion to finance more than 100 public projects throughout the state – from construction at public college campuses to supporting the state highway system, including two major bridge reconstruction efforts. The proposal, according to Dayton, would create more than 39,000 jobs. It would also open up a myriad of government contracting opportunities for private-sector vendors, as well as create an environment for possible public-private partnerships.
Many of the governor’s plans for use of the $1.4 billion would fund critical Minnesota infrastructure projects. A sampling of those projects includes:
- $167 million to help communities rehabilitate wastewater and drinking water infrastructure systems, expand capacity and meet water quality requirements;
- $10 million for navigation improvements and other enhancements at the ports of St. Paul, Winona, Red Wing and Duluth;
- $90 million for affordable housing projects;
- $70.3 million to finish renovation of the Minnesota Security Hospital;
- $34.4 million to renovate vacant facilities at Fort Snelling into a new visitor center;
- $7 million for Lake Bronson dam repair and reconstruction;
- $33.3 million to build a new State Emergency Operations Center;
- $4.5 million to build a new National Guard Readiness Center in W. St. Paul and $3.5 million to renovate and expand the Readiness Center in St. Cloud; and
- $5 million for improvements to Customs and Border Patrol at the Rochester International Airport.
In addition to addressing Minnesota infrastructure needs and creating jobs statewide, the governor said his proposal is expected to leverage more than $600 million in private, local and federal funds.
Private-sector vendors should watch Dayton’s proposal closely as he seeks support for the initiative in the upcoming legislative session. The Minnesota state legislature will convene on March 8. View a complete listing of the governor’s proposed spending plan here.