Walz, Flanagan Unveil Final Packages in Local Jobs and Projects Plan: Public Safety, Quality of Life

Statement

Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan today unveiled the final bonding packages in their Local Jobs and Projects Plan, an investment of $2.028 billion in General Obligation Bonds. The Public Safety and Asset Preservation package, an $857 million proposal, includes funding for armories, police stations, fire departments, and aging facilities as well as local roads and bridges. The Quality of Life Package, a $675 million proposal, includes funding for local communities to build town halls, libraries, recreational trails, and transit. The entire Local Jobs and Projects Plan includes more local projects than any Governor's bonding proposal in state history.

"As Governor, my top priority is keeping the people of Minnesota safe," said Governor Walz. "Public safety facilities across Minnesota -- from the National Guard Readiness Centers to local police and fire stations -- are in desperate need of 21st century upgrades. This proposal will make sure that our emergency services, as well as aging roads and bridges, are repaired and upgraded so Minnesotans can have peace of mind in their day-to-day lives."

The public safety and asset preservation package will provide targeted investments in new police and fire departments in Greater Minnesota, address safety hazards at correctional facilities, build flood hazard mitigation structures in vulnerable communities, upgrade public buildings to avoid health and safety hazards, and repair aging roads and bridges to make sure Minnesotans get home safely. The quality of life package invests in projects across the state that help communities grow and thrive. It includes funding to provide low-interest loans to farmers, renovate community spaces like town halls and libraries, and build local transit and recreational paths to get Minnesotans where they want to go.

"Minnesota is the best place in the country to raise a family because we invest in our small towns and big cities," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Whether it's a safe bike path, renovated town hall for community events, or a brand-new children's section of the local library, these projects and places help us connect with our families, friends, and neighbors and build thriving communities in every corner of the state."

Previously announced packages in the Local Jobs and Projects Plan include Safe and Affordable Housing, Water Quality and Infrastructure, and Higher Education. With the addition of Public Safety and Asset Preservation and Quality of Life, the Local Jobs and Projects Plan recommends an investment of $2.028 billion in General Obligation Bonds. An additional $571 million of financing, including general fund cash, brings the full Local Jobs and Projects Plan to $2.599 billion.

"We had a record number of requests for state assistance from communities across Minnesota, which is why we took the step of visiting these projects ourselves and getting feedback directly from communities and Minnesotans on what was most important to them," continued Governor Walz. "That's why this plan looks different than any plan before it -- it's Minnesota's plan, and these are Minnesota's projects. The need is real, interest rates are low, and the best time to fix a leaky roof isn't after your house has flooded. The time to act is now."

For the first time, Minnesotans had the opportunity to comment on all bonding projects submitted for consideration.

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