Senate bonding package includes flood-relief funds

Staff

Published Sunday, January 30, 2005

By Jennifer Rogers, Tribune staff writer

The Minnesota Senate passed a $976 million bonding package Monday that includes $4 million in flood-relief funds for southeastern Minnesota. The bill also includes funding for several area projects that had been included in the 2004 bonding, which was defeated by Senate Republicans.

"I am thrilled that both parties were able to work together this year and pass this important piece of legislation early in the session," said Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin). "This bill will create thousands of jobs and will energize Minnesota's economy. We did the right thing by making it a priority of the 2005 session."

The Capital Investment Bill includes $3.7 million for science lab improvements at Riverland Community College; $1.7 million for the Blazing Star Trail; $450,000 for the Shooting Star Trail; $2 million for statewide public library improvements, including Albert Lea; and $50 million for local road and bridge improvements throughout Minnesota.

Sparks said he has been working on securing funds for these local projects for the past two years, and he is proud to finally be able to deliver the needed support.

Also included in the bonding package is $4 million in flood relief funds, which is earmarked for housing and business assistance, environmental improvements and relocation and buyout programs.

"This money will help the hundreds of southeastern Minnesota residents still waiting for help in handling the aftermath of September's floods," Sparks said. "Now we can begin the task of addressing long-term needs, and focus on bringing regional leaders together to find solutions that will prevent future flooding."

Albert Lea Mayor Jean Eaton said that she was thrilled the money would be going to all of the communities affected by September's floods.

"This flood relief is going to be an integral part of helping communities, such as ours and Hollandale, move forward," said Eaton.

The first step in preventing future floods is to conduct a regional study. Sen. Sparks said he is seeking funding for this survey in a separate bill that he will introduce later this month. In addition, he said he expects an additional $710,000 in flood-relief money to come from the Department of Public Safety in another bill that should be before the Senate within the next two weeks.

The Senate must wait for the House of Representatives to pass its version of a bonding bill before the two sides can meet to agree on legislation to send the governor.

"I have asked the finance committees to assemble their requests and get them to us by Feb. 4," said Rep. Dan Dorman (R-27A, Albert Lea), chairman of the House Capital Investment Committee. "There are still hearings going on and once they have their recommendations to us, we will put our bill together and have it to the floor sometime in February."

Leaders in both chambers have said they hope to have a bill on the governor's desk by early March.

"Passing the bonding bill is an important investment in Minnesota's future," Sparks said. "The effects of this legislation will be seen from Albert Lea to International Falls in the form of funding for hospitals, parks, colleges and roads, and the creation of 10,000 jobs. We simply could not afford to delay this process any longer."

In other state capitol news:

Supporters and opponents of a statewide smoking ban faced off Wednesday before the House Health Policy and Finance Committee.

Backers said the smoking ban would protect restaurant and bar workers and patrons.

"No one has the right to do whatever he or she wants if it endangers others," said Dr. Edward Ellinger, director of Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota. "By passing this bill you will be protecting the right of everybody to breathe clean air."

Opponents said the ban intrudes on personal freedoms and would put some businesses - including smaller bars and restaurants and tobacco lounges - out of business. Colin Minehart said his restaurant in Alden, near Albert Lea, could go under if a smoking ban becomes law.

"The loss of smoking customers would destroy our business," Minehart told committee members. "There is no line of customer's waiting to get into my restaurant."

The smoking ban failed last year but has better chances this session with support from a bipartisan slate of lawmakers and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

On Thursday, the committee amended the bill to exempt some bars, restaurants and private clubs. The committee referred the bill to the House Commerce and Financial Institutions Committee without recommendation.

A companion bill, SF404, sponsored by Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), has been referred to the Senate House and Family Security Committee.

For more information on this week's happenings at the capitol log on to www.house.mn and www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/.

(Contact Jennifer Rogers at jennifer.rogers@albertleatribune.com or at 379-3439.)

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