Duluth Lawmakers’ Hard Work Helps Local Projects Make State Bonding Bill

The bonding bill includes more than $80 million in funding for many big Duluth projects

DULUTH, Minn. – State lawmakers wrapped up a special legislative session by passing a state budget and a nearly billion dollar bonding bill.

With the bill awaiting Governor Dayton’s signature, local lawmakers are calling this session a success for projects in Duluth and northeast Minnesota.

“There was a lot of uncertainty, so we worked really hard the last few days of the special session,” said Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth).

It took a little extra time, but Friday morning the Minnesota legislature passed a bonding bill that includes $82 million in funding for some big projects in the Duluth area.

“It’s going to lead to a lot more jobs and economic development for every dollar we get in terms of bonding bills and funding,” Schultz added. “It’s going to have a multiplier effect, so that means it’s going to improve our economy.”

Schultz says all Duluth projects being lobbied at the capitol were included in the bonding bill. One of the biggest would help fund the cleanup of contaminated areas of the St. Louis River.

“We will be moving in to an era of vitality for the river, so for this to come together at a very crucial moment is really exciting and we’re just so grateful,” said Kris Eilers who leads the St. Louis River Alliance.

Eilers says the $25 million in funding for this project is a once in a generation opportunity.

The non–profit group needed this state funding to release more than $47 million in federal dollars that were available to support the completion of the estuary cleanup.

“The contaminated sediment sites affect water quality and could affect many other things, too” Eilers explains. “Getting this taken care of is a win–win for the entire state.”

The Duluth Steam Plant is also slated to receive $15 million in funding needed to complete phase one of itis project to become more energy efficient.

“I don’t think anyone down there ever questioned the project itself,” said Dave Montgomery, chief administrative officer for the City of Duluth. “Our teams did a great job of doing their homework. We did a great job of laying out the need and how it would work.”

One of the largest local projects to receive funding is over the University of Minnesota Duluth, for a new, $28 million chemistry and advanced materials science building.

“Part of this is to provide better classroom space and teaching labs and research labs for the students,” said Joshua Hamilton, dean of the Swenson Collge of Science and Engineering at UMD. “The second part is to build capacity. We’ll repurpose the old chemistry building for classrooms and other things, so we are adding square footage to the college by doing this.”

The Duluth International Airport construction and Hermantown Wellness Center projects were also included to receive funding.

Governor Dayton is expected to sign off on the bonding bill next week.