President Biden Visits Rosemount; Local Infrastructure Projects Update

Dear Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe December is here! November was a busy month. Read more below for an update from our community and the legislature.

Coffee with John-Tonight!

This evening, I’m hosting a community 'Coffee with John' at Starbucks in Rosemount at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and folks interested in attending are asked to wear a face covering. I always appreciate the opportunity to connect face to face with neighbors, but the most important thing to me is your health and safety. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you.

President Biden in Rosemount 
 

President Joe Biden visited Rosemount yesterday to highlight the new, bipartisan infrastructure bill that he’s signed into law. I was fortunate enough to attend the event and speak with the President briefly.

Here’s a look at how Minnesota will benefit from the new law:

• $4.5 billion for highways
• $302 million for bridges
• $100 million for broadband internet
• $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations
• $818 million for public transportation
• $680 million for clean water

You can read more about the President's stop in our community here.

Local Infrastructure

As a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, it’s been rewarding to travel the state with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to learn more about the projects in which Minnesotans are asking for state assistance. Locally, I’ve been advocating for infrastructure improvements in our Rosemount, Apple Valley and Coates communities. Most recently, I had the opportunity to show my colleagues firsthand the project requests in our region.

The Minnesota Zoo’s animal hospital was built in 1975 and predates the opening of the Zoo. They have requested state investments to renovate the animal hospital to meet industry standards and enhance animal care. To ensure full ADA accessibility, the aging infrastructure of Lakeside Plaza needs to be updated to the Zoo’s entrance. Additionally, after being closed for 10 years, the Nocturnal Trail is in need of updates to connect the exhibit to accommodate more guests.

Minnesota Zoo

The Zoo is a regional gem and has remained resilient and creative during these challenging times. Everyone deserves basic access to enjoy all the Minnesota Zoo has to offer and I’ll continue to advocate for the critical upgrades that expand that opportunity.

Currently, Coates residents are served by private wells, which have been contaminated with levels of nitrate and herbicides over the drinking water health guidelines. Septic systems have been failing and leaking into the ground, also contributing to the contamination. I’m carrying legislation to fund improvements and protect the health and safety of residents to ensure everyone can access clean water.

Sharing with my House colleagues how water infrastructure investments would make clean water access a reality for Coates families.

We also visited the Rosemount Readiness Center, which is overdue for interior updates like window replacements, floor repairs, electrical wiring and HVAC systems. This is the Minnesota Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ top capital investment priority.

Rosemount Readiness Center

360 Communities

Following a friendly wager on the Edina and Rosemount high school football game with my colleague Rep. Heather Edelson of Edina, after the Irish’s victory, I welcomed her to 360 Communities Rosemount Food Shelf to help with food distribution for our neighbors in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. This organization is always doing amazing work in our area. Learn more about how you can get involved here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.john.huot@house.mn or 651-296-4306 with input, questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance.

You are welcome to follow me on Facebook for additional updates and community information.

Thanks for the honor of serving you and your family at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

John