ROCHESTER, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee continued its tour of southeastern Minnesota to learn about infrastructure improvement proposals at colleges and universities, public safety facilities, water treatment plants, community centers, agency offices, and more. Local lawmakers Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester) and Rep. Liz Boldon (DFL – Rochester) joined committee members for tours at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and the Olmsted County Waste-to-Energy Facility, home to a proposed Materials Recovery (recycling) Facility.
“I’m grateful that Chair Fue Lee and members of his committee took the time to visit and learn about important proposals to improve public infrastructure here in southeastern Minnesota,” Rep. Liebling said. “The City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and RCTC have all put forth proposals worthy of the state’s investment. The recently enacted federal infrastructure bill will help Minnesota in so many ways, but the state legislature still has an important role to play. I look forward to working with House colleagues to assemble a robust state Capital Investment bill next spring.”
“It was exciting to welcome our colleagues to Rochester and to advocate for the most pressing capital projects in our community, one of the state's fastest-growing regions,” said Rep. Boldon. ”If approved, these projects will contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of our community. I will work diligently to create a Capital Investment bill which fairly includes these projects.”
The Capital Investment Committee learned about Olmsted County’s proposal for a new Materials Recovery Facility so recyclables can be processed locally, instead of shipping them to the Twin Cities, to cut costs, improve efficiency, and better protect the environment. At RCTC, the committee learned about plans for a renovation of Heintz Center and other upgrades. Lawmakers also learned about the need to change heat and cooling systems for downtown public buildings, extension of the Willow Creek Trail, the next phase of improvements at Graham Park, sediment removal and trail safety improvements at Silver Lake, and construction of a new interchange at Highway 14 and CSAH 44 on the west side of the city.
After previously touring other areas in Greater Minnesota, the committee will finish its statewide tour next week with site visits in the Twin Cities in preparation for a Capital Investment Package during the 2022 legislative session.
PHOTO: Rep. Liz Boldon (DFL - Rochester) and Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL - Rochester), center, join the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee at the Olmsted County Recycling Center, home to a proposed new Materials Recovery Facility to increase the capacity and efficiency of the Olmsted County Waste-to-Energy Facility.
