ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation to authorize $315.5 million in federal funding for state road construction on Minnesota’s highway system. Representative Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley), a co-author of the bill, voted to support its passage.
“The bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will bring home more than $4 billion to Minnesota,” said Rep. Bierman. “We have a historic opportunity to make impactful improvements for transportation across the state. This is a good start and I’m glad we’re catching up to make the critical repairs our communities’ roads and bridges need.”
In November of 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, and has resulted in $4.8 billion over the next five years in federal funding for the purpose of upgrading Minnesota’s infrastructure. The funds are available in accordance with the IIJA, but the Minnesota Department of Transportation cannot use them without being provided this legislative authority.
The debate and vote can be viewed on House Public Information’s YouTube channel. The Minnesota Senate is expected to act on the bill soon.
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