Letter: Bonding bill would serve as economic boost
Published 8:14 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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While the Legislature was not able to pass a bonding bill during regular session, they still have an opportunity to create a bonding bill in a special session that will help build new infrastructure, keep Minnesotans working and help recover from COVID-19.
There are more than $5 billion in unmet infrastructure projects across the state. In Albert Lea, a proposed bonding project will reconstruct East Main Street to eliminate the constant flooding and keep the road clear for the 10,000 vehicles that use it daily. Another bonding project is the completion of the Blazing Star Trail that would connect Albert Lea to Hayward. Both of these projects would have enormous impact in our community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on our state. The Legislature can use the bonding bill to fund hundreds of projects, which will keep Minnesotans working, improve our communities, build critical infrastructure and help the state’s economy recover from COVID-19.
I hope the governor and the Legislature will come to an agreement that can keep Minnesota’s infrastructure up to date, keep our communities safe and serve as an economic boost.
Sheldon Steele
business manager
Construction Craft Laborers
Local 405