ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to authorize $315.5 million in federal funding for state road construction on Minnesota’s highway system. Representative Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhassen), who serves on the House Sustainable Infrastructure Policy Committee, voted to support its passage.
“We have an incredible opportunity to take advantage of bringing these federal dollars home to Chanhassen and Chaska for major highway improvements,” said Rep. Rehm. “As a member of the Sustainable Infrastructure Finance and Policy Committee, I’m looking forward to working on legislative solutions for the long-term vitality of Highway 5, and this is an encouraging start.”
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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