House taking up bonding bill with funds for Capitol renovations, flood hazard mitigation

The Minnesota House is expected to take up a bonding bill that would pay for any "out-of-scope" Capitol renovations, flood hazard mitigation and renovations at a University of Minnesota poultry testing lab in Willmar, among other projects.

May 19, 2015 at 2:19AM

The Minnesota House is expected to vote on a modestly-sized bonding bill late Monday, that includes funding for cost overruns in the Capitol's, flood hazard mitigation and renovations at a University of Minnesota poultry testing lab in Willmar.

The measure would provide nearly $31 million for the Capitol's renovation, primarily for cost overruns and enhanced security. The bill would also provide $10 million for flood hazard mitigation in Otter Tail County, $8.5 million for the expansion and renovation of the U's poultry testing lab in Willmar. It also provides $16 million to the Public Facilities Authority for wastewater infrastructure.

It's possible a bonding bill may not pass ahead of the midnight deadline for the legislative session. House Republicans want a $100 million bonding bill, while the Senate DFL wants a larger bill, closer to $250 million. With less than three hours left until the deadline Monday, the bill's fate is unclear.

Gov. Mark Dayton earlier this legislative session proposed an expansive $842-million bonding bill, which legislators were reluctant to support.

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Ricardo Lopez

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