ST. PAUL - Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants the Minnesota Legislature to approve $1 billion for public works projects across Minnesota, with the largest share of spending reserved for local bridges.
Pawlenty this morning unveiled his proposed bonding bill ahead of the 2008 legislative session, calling for $965 million in so-called borrowing - to be repaid by taxes - for building construction and upgrades, road improvements and other projects around the state.
The biggest chunk of Pawlenty's proposal - $416 million - is for transportation. He would spend $225 million for the state portion of local bridge projects and another $30 million for local road improvements.
"This strategic focus is an important step in modernizing roads and bridges across Minnesota," Pawlenty said.
Keith Langseth, the top senator on public works spending, said the overall price tag for Pawlenty's plan is encouraging, but said the focus on local bridge projects is political.
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Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, said the governor's planned local bridge spending is more than triple what was requested. He said the governor is trying to cover for the Minneapolis bridge collapse last summer and his veto of a major transportation spending plan last spring.
"They aren't even ready (for) $225 million," Langseth said of local governments. "I think he's overdoing it."
Langseth suggested moving money from transportation to higher education, saying that would make the proposal much better.
Pawlenty's plan totals $1.09 billion. In addition to the $965 million of state-borrowed funds that would be repaid with general taxes, the governor recommends spending $107 million in other borrowing and $16 million in cash.
Lawmakers' main job during the 2008 legislative session, which begins Feb. 12, is to pass a bonding bill.
The Republican governor proposes spending $258 million on construction and maintenance projects at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems.
Langseth said Pawlenty's University of Minnesota spending is close to what is needed, but the governor came up short on funding for projects at other schools.
"He's extremely light," Langseth said of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system spending.
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Pawlenty included in his proposal $40 million for expansion of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. He said that is the only local project in his bill and it was included because he and lawmakers have promised to help pay for the project for two years, but have not followed through.
Langseth said he expects the DECC to finally pass this year.
Another $30 million would be spent for infrastructure related to the Minnesota Steel plant on the state's Iron Range. That project includes $6.2 million in state borrowing, along with nearly $9 million from Iron Range Resources and $14.9 million previously appropriated 21st Century Minerals Fund dollars.
Pawlenty's inclusion of funding for the Minnesota Steel project is good, Langseth said.
"I definitely want us to see to it that we don't hold up that project," Langseth said.
Funding for one high-profile northern Minnesota project - a proposed Lake Vermilion state park - was not included in Pawlenty's bonding plan. He said a funding request for that planned park will show up in a related bill this legislative session, but it will propose spending significantly less than the $30 or $40 million anticipated.
The governor did not rule out supporting other specific local projects. Pawlenty administration officials said local governments would benefit from state-borrowed spending for bridges, conservation initiatives and sewer system improvements.
Langseth said the governor included $15 million for flood-prevention projects, including in northwestern Minnesota communities, but that is only half what is needed this year.
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"It's going to hold up some of these projects," Langseth said.
Local roads, bridges top Pawlenty bonding request for Minnesota By Scott Wente 20080114
