Update from Rep. Tabke: Shakopee Infrastructure Projects

Your Friday Update from the Office of Representative Brad Tabke: 

On Thursday, Rep. Tabke advocated for three infrastructure projects that he submitted for inclusion in this year’s public works package. He presented the projects in the House Committee charged with putting together the "bonding bill." 

The projects are designed to:

• Provide funding for construction of a pedestrian bridge over Highway 169, completing a major trail connection between Southbridge and Quarry Lake Park.
• Construct 2.2 miles of trail on the former Union Pacific rail line connecting Scott and Carver Counties, the city of Carver, and the regional trail network in Carver County. The project includes the construction or renovation of four bridges. 
• Stabilize the Minnesota riverbank and build a cultural corridor from highway 101 to Memorial Park. The project is the result of collaboration between the City of Shakopee, Scott County, Three Rivers parks, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

This is the first time in recent history that projects local to Shakopee have been considered in the state’s public works package.

Other News

• This week, the House passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill named for a young man who lost his life when he was kicked off his parents’ insurance at the age of 26, and rationed his insulin while he waited for his next paycheck. The bill takes the best ideas from both Democratic and Republican proposals and holds pharmaceutical companies accountable by requiring them to participate in funding emergency supplies of insulin. You can read Rep. Tabke's column on the subject in the Shakopee Valley News here. 

• Also in the Shakopee Valley News, you can read more about the conversation around legalizing cannabis for adult use and a recap of the recent cannabis conversation at the Shakopee VFW here. 
• Rep. Table got the chance to meet with some folks from Scott County to talk about policies that will improve our community.

Have a great weekend!

Brad Tabke, State Representative|Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn

Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant|Eric.Petersen@house.mn