SE Twin Cities

A $1.36 billion infrastructure bonding bill was approved by the Minnesota Senate recently that would provide funding for southern Minnesota projects such as roads, bridges, sewer and water improvements.  

The projects were pushed through by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus reported. 

“Clean water is one of the core services that people depend on government to provide,” Rosen, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said. “In the year 2020 in Minnesota, nobody should have to worry about the cleanliness of their drinking water. Unfortunately, there are several communities in our area who need help (in) upgrading their water systems, and I am thrilled that this bill will help make that happen."

The bill complies with Section 179 of the federal tax code which allows farmers and small business owners to make deductions such as large equipment purchases. 

“Section 179 conformity sounds boring, but this is one of the most important tax changes we can make to benefit Minnesota’s farmers and small businesses,” Rosen said. “It is difficult to overstate how much it will help them, which is one reason I have been fighting for it for so long. Getting it in this bill is a big victory for farmers and local business owners.”

The Vernon Center Water Infrastructure Improvements provides $7.98 million to the City of Vernon center to go toward refurbishing the water tower, storm sewer system upgrades, etc. 

The Waldorf Water Infrastructure Improvements supplies $858,000 for the City of Waldorf. The city's water and sewer were built in 1948 and need replacements. 

Martin County Veteran Memorial provides $350,000 to complete part of the memorial in Fairmont. 

Local projects in the bonding bill are the Vernon Center Water Infrastructure Improvements, Waldorf Water Infrastructure Improvements, Martin County Veteran Memorial, Martin County Justice Center and Local Roads and Bridges.