ST. PAUL, MN – On Wednesday, the House Republican Caucus unveiled their $800 million bonding proposal. The bill includes $227 million for local road and bridge projects, $130 million for water infrastructure, and $137 million for Higher Education.
Among the Higher Education appropriation is almost $7.5 million to benefit Riverland Community College. The funds would be used to renovate and reorganize the Transportation and Industrial Education Center.
“Riverland is an incredible resource, and this funding would offer increased trade training for local students, as well as potentially provide more needed workforce for our area,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, who authored the provision. “Funding Riverland Community College has bipartisan support, and I’ll continue to advocate for its inclusion in the final bonding agreement.”
Along with Higher Education backing, the House proposal includes funds that would help the Albert Lea’s Stables area improve their sewer system. Based on a priority list set by the Public Facilities Authority, this project should receive funding from the $70 million dedicated in the Water Infrastructure Fund.
“We need to help the Stables neighborhood of Albert Lea address this longtime need in upgrading their sewer system,” said Bennett. “It would be a costly fix for the city, and is a perfect opportunity for the state to assist our residents.”
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