Minnesota Governor Focuses Proposal on Enhancing Quality of Life

Governor Tim Pawlenty has released his full bonding proposal for the 2004 legislative session, which includes numerous project proposals to improve quality of life throughout Minnesota. His proposal includes $760 million in bonds for projects in five key areas: higher education; economic development, housing and transportation; community safety; public services and preservation of existing infrastructure.

Contact: Matt Lambert
Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Division

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_6370,00.html

Gov. Pawlenty stresses that this proposal is fiscally responsible and will preserve the state’s bonding capacity in future years. Sixty percent of the funds will go to Greater Minnesota, while 40 percent will be used in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Some individual projects include:

* $165 million for Minnesota higher education;

* $147 million for environmental and natural resources projects;

* $25 million for the Redevelopment Grant Program (includes $10 million for redevelopment of brownfields);

* $85.5 million for transportation and transit; and

* $20 million to tackle long-term homelessness.

Related Links:

* Governor’s Press Release http://www.governor.state.mn.us/Tpaw_View_Article.asp?artid=759