Investing in Minnesota's Future, Governor Walz Announces Capital Investments Proposal

Press Release

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan today introduced a $1.27 billion proposal to invest in community infrastructure projects across the state. These crucial investments, combined with the Governor's budget proposal, improve education, increase economic opportunity for all, and strengthen local economies.

The proposal balances the needs of the state, with 22 percent of projects in Greater Minnesota, 27 percent in the Twin Cities area, and 51 percent having impacts statewide.

"Our proposal increases economic opportunity for all and strengthens local economies by providing grants to communities across the state and working to build infrastructure for the future," said Governor Walz. "In keeping with our commitment to strong fiscal management, we made sure our proposal protects the state's financial standing while making critical investments in our future."

"We're looking to invest in the Minnesota of tomorrow," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "That means making long-term investments that tackle the needs of Minnesota while promoting growth."

Last week, the Governor introduced his One Minnesota budget that prioritized education, healthcare, and community prosperity. The Governor's capital investments proposal builds on those priorities and invests in Minnesota's future.

Infrastructure
Governor Walz recommends $100 million for the Local Road Improvement Program, which will leverage nonstate dollars to create rural road safety projects, routes of regional significance, and fund the local share of trunk highway improvements. Past projects funded through this program include roundabouts, sidewalk and pedestrian ramps, widening and repaving of roadways, adding traffic signals and replacing culverts. The Governor also recommends $100 million for the Local Bridge Replacement Program. Governor Walz also supports $10 million for the Safe Routes to Schools grant program, open to school districts across Minnesota, which leverages local funds to complete infrastructure projects that provide our students safe walking and biking routes to and from school. Past projects funded by this program include sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and traffic diversions. In addition to the safety benefits for kids, the Safe Routes to School program reduces traffic congestion around schools, reduces transportation costs for districts as more kids walk or bike to school, provides students more opportunities for physical activity, and addresses the need to make our infrastructure more accessible to Minnesotans with mobility challenges.

Education
Given the significant need for investments in higher education institutions statewide, the Governor's proposal would invest $300 million at Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota for capital investments. The $150 million for Minnesota State would support more than 70 projects are planned for over 40 campuses to ensure buildings are accessible, safe, secure, and energy-efficient. The $150 million for the University of Minnesota would renovate and complete facilities while preserving and upgrading infrastructure on Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester campuses.  

Housing
The capital investment budget will direct $150 million to the preservation of existing affordable housing and to create new homes for Minnesotans across all incomes and in all areas of the state. This recommendation will create a full range of housing choices, including supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, senior housing, family housing, and new home-ownership opportunities. The Governor is also recommending $10 million in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to renew veterans homes located across the state.

Transportation
The Governor's capital budget includes $64 million for rail safety improvements, including $52 million for a grail grade crossing separation in Moorhead, which has one of the highest levels of rail and vehicle traffic in the state. This project will result in better safety for drivers and pedestrians, and will improve access for emergency services that are currently impacted by traffic gridlock. Governor Walz's rail safety recommendations also include $12 million to replace 40 rail crossing signals and safety gates across the state that have reached the end of their useful life. Governor Walz's capital budget would also direct $20 million toward the expansion of the D Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, which will run along Chicago-Emerson-Freemont Avenues in Minneapolis. Bus transitways like the D Line are efficient, reliable, and user-friendly for passengers

Corrections
Governor Walz's capital budget recommendation of $20 million for asset preservation will allow the Department of Corrections to continue addressing a $600 million deferred maintenance backlog. Projects may include correcting safety hazards and code compliance issues, preserving building exteriors and interiors, and major mechanical and electrical system upgrades. Governor Walz also recommends $7.5 million to renovate existing space to better serve offenders in Lino Lakes who suffer from serious mental illness, $2.7 million for secure interior fencing in St. Cloud, $4.2 million for fire suppression systems in St. Cloud and Stillwater, $2.6 million for a new sewage treatment facility in Togo, and $1.8 million for improved accessibility for visitors and staff in Red Wing.

To see a full list of projects, click here.

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