Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan touted the 193 road and bridge projects that began this season across the state at a press conference on Monday.
Industry leaders said the state’s bonding bill, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other partners made the projects possible.
"Minnesotans, thank you for your patience during construction. We appreciate your help in keeping our construction workers safe," said Nancy Daubenberger, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. "We know that the work that we're doing impacts your travel and it can be inconvenient. But this is a historic investment around the state and it will improve the lives of Minnesotans and all who travel through."
Lawmakers failed to pass a bonding bill during the 2024 legislative session. This pushed infrastructure cost on local municipalities. Flanagan said lawmakers will need to pass a bonding bill in 2025 to continue this kind of work.
“We’re going to continue to push in upcoming sessions for additional dollars for infrastructure projects, just like this one,” Flanagan said. “Here’s the deal, bonding bills shouldn't be partisan.”
Other transportation and public safety officials used the press conference to remind motorists to slow down in construction zones.
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Source: MPR News, CBS Minnesota
