Gov. Dayton Releases Bonding Bill Proposal

Multiple Northland Projects Are on The List, While Others Are Not in the Bill for Now

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A new public works bonding proposal has been issued by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.

The bill calls for $1.5 billion to be spent on a variety of projects throughout the state, creating an estimated 23,000 jobs. Much of the funding would go toward higher education, along with repairing infrastructure, and other state buildings.

More than $542 million would be spent at University of Minnesota and Minnesota State College campuses. Roughly $1 billion would be going toward improving state buildings, creating more affordable housing, and repairing clean water infrastructures.

Right now, Minnesota does have a triple-A bond rating and $3.5 billion in bonding capacity for this year.

“Since 2011, we have made many important investments in Minnesota’s aging classrooms, buildings, and other critical infrastructure,” said Governor Dayton in a prepared statement. “But those investments have not kept pace with the enormous need for infrastructure improvements across Minnesota. Years of under investment have shortchanged our economy, our higher education institutions, and the vitality of our communities.”

Governor Dayton’s proposal would give $238 million to the University of Minnesota System. $28 million of that would fund projects at UMD, including repairs to the Glensheen Estate, which the University owns.

Glensheen would receive $4 million to fix their formal garden wall and terraces, buy a backup boiler, and complete fire safety and electrical upgrades. The historic estate could also get a $4 million match allowing them to redo their pier on the lake that was heavily damaged by waves during a storm in October.

“Hate to say it, but there’s definitely some critical projects here and Glensheen will never make enough money year to year to pay for $4 million worth of work and so that’s why we’ve come to the state for support,” said Gelensheen Director Dan Hartman.

UMD officials say they also need money to make improvements to academic buildings like the old chemistry building, A.B. Anderson Hall and Humanities.

“Our campus runs short on classroom space and we also have some buildings that do not have adequate code, ventilation, we have some buildings where we actually have to cancel classes because they get too hot, so this funding will really help ensure that our students have optimal learning space,” said Lynne Williams, UMD Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Some multi-million dollar Duluth projects are not in Governor Dayton’s bonding proposal but are included in a separate list of projects Dayton believes “merit state investments.”

Those projects include a $7 million upgrade of the Duluth Steam Plant, a $6 million harbor sea wall rehabilitation, and $1.9 million in improvements to the Lake Superior Zoo.

Zoo officials say, while they aren’t on the original proposal, they will keep working with lawmakers to get the funding they need when the bill is finalized.

“Momentum has not stopped at all. We are very optimistic,” said Haley Hedstrom, Director of Marketing and Membership at the Lake Superior Zoo. “The Minnesota Zoo is on the original recommendation from the Governor for the bill, which that keeps us optimistic and gives us hope as well.”

The state bonding bill is far from being finalized. The Minnesota House and Senate can still make changes to anything in the Governor’s proposal.

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says she and her team will head to St. Paul to continue to fight for the Duluth projects as the legislature finalizes the bonding bill.

Proposed project funding in St. Louis County:

• Glensheen Mansion capital renewal: $4 million
  • $4 million for pre-design, design, and renovation of deteriorating structures and building systems at Glensheen historic estate in Duluth. The University will raise $4 million in non-University funds to match the state investment.
• Vermilion Community College (classroom building and design): $2.349 million
  • $2.349 million for Vermilion Community College to design and renovate six general purpose classrooms within the classroom building and the college center. The project creates flexible adaptive learning environments, increases technological capabilities, renovates two sets of restrooms, adjacent corridors and lobby areas, creates a new entryway, and replaces the classroom building roof. This project will eliminate $1.1 million in deferred maintenance.
• IRRRB waterline replacement: $1.9 million
  • $1.9 million to replace a deteriorating water line at Giants Ridge that is more than 30 years old.

Proposed project funding in Carlton County:

• Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College: $1.157 million
  • $1.157 million to renovate classrooms and offices used by the elementary teacher education program and the environmental institute. It also includes funding to outfit the existing kitchen facilities at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
• Willow River expansion for Challenge Incarceration Program: $1.7 million
  • $1.7 million to design, construct, renovate, furnish and equip new and existing buildings at the Willow River Correctional Facility to increase the program capacity for the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP) by 45 beds for adult male offenders. This project will provide additional bed space for male offenders and will alleviate the existing housing shortage the department is facing.

Proposed project funding in Itasca County:

• Grand Rapids Readiness Center: $2.126 million
  • $2.126 million to renovate the Grand Rapids Readiness Center. The renovations include installing modern HVAC systems, upgrading life/safety systems, re-configuring the
    space to meet current needs, increasing energy efficiency, and upgrading the facility to serve a dual gender force.

Proposed University of Minnesota-Duluth funding:

• Classroom renovations:
  • Improvements to A.B Anderson Hall at University of Minnesota-Duluth: $10.5 million which would be split up between Crookston, Morris, and UMD campuses.

• Phase two of Superior Street steam to hot water conversion plant ($7 million)
• Duluth sea wall rehabilitation ($6 million)
• Lake Superior Zoo ($1.9 million)
• Hibbing’s Range Regional Health and Wellness Center ($10 million)
• IRA Civic Center expansion and renovation in Grand Rapids ($8 million)
• Proctor public works facility ($1.5 million)
• Silver Bay Black Beach Campground ($1.7 million)
• Two Harbors waterfront redevelopment plan ($3 million)
• Highway 53 relocation in Virginia ($5.4 million)
• Public safety facility in Virginia ($2 million)
• Modal transportation program in Virginia ($3.5 million)