Senate DFLers unveiled a $1.08 billion bonding proposal on Tuesday that is similar in size to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's recommendation but would invest significantly more in state colleges, natural resources, and employment and economic development.
The DFL bonding bill, the state's major borrowing and construction mechanism, recommends only $21.5 million in transportation projects in the wake of a separate $6.6 billion transportation bill that passed over Pawlenty's veto. The governor has sought $416 million in transportation bonding.
The Senate version also recommends less for pollution control and veterans affairs than the governor's proposal.
The proposal would fund $271 million worth of projects on campuses of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, compared with $128.6 million from Pawlenty.
The Senate recommends $70 million for Central Corridor Light Rail Transit, equal to Pawlenty's recommendation, but $70 million less than what was requested. Pawlenty has cautioned that the overall budget for the proposal, which would link light rail in Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul, has to be leaner.
The Senate bill recommends $40 million for the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, similar to Pawlenty's recommendation. It also includes $22 million for a regional event center in Bemidji, $10 million for expansion of the St. Cloud National Hockey Center, $10 million for relocating the Crookston arena, and $7 million for a grant for building an Asian Pacific Cultural Center in St. Paul.
As with Pawlenty's proposal, many local projects that often find a place in bonding bills get the cold shoulder in the Senate proposal.
The Senate recommends $133.9 million for the University of Minnesota, including $48 million to design and build a new science teaching and student services building on the Twin Cities campus.
The House is expected to present its bonding proposal next week. The Senate plan passed in committee late Tuesday on a voice vote and could be voted on by the full Senate as early as next week.
Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636
