St. Paul, MN– The Minnesota House of Representatives gave final approval on Monday to legislation that provides funding for a variety of projects around the state with a heavy emphasis on public infrastructure like clean water, wastewater treatment, roads, bridges, flood mitigation, and preservation of state-owned assets.
Included in the bill was funding for local projects including improvements to Brainerd’s water treatment facility and capital improvements at Central Lakes College.
State Representative Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, said that it was important that the bill placed a heavy emphasis on meat and potatoes infrastructure projects to keep rural communities strong.
“This bill was focused on the sorts of projects that Minnesotans depend on like providing clean water, flood mitigation, and maintaining roads and bridges,” said Heintzeman. “I am glad that we were able to secure funding for the improvements needed at the City of Brainerd’s water treatment facility to make sure that folks in our area can continue to have access to clean and safe drinking water now and into the future.”
Heintzeman also noted that part of the package includes a separate $300 million in emergency funding for nursing homes. All session long, House Republicans have been pushing to make sure the crisis impacting rural nursing homes was adequately addressed.
“Finally, it was good that we were able to secure this emergency funding for nursing homes so that they can continue to provide outstanding care to our seniors. Nursing homes have faced a funding crisis in recent years, accelerated by the COVID-19 shutdowns. I am glad that Democrats joined us in doing the right thing for seniors and the men and women that provide care.”
The bill now heads to Governor Walz’s desk where it awaits his signature.
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