Walz Proposes Massive Infrastructure Bill: Here's What It Funds

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Tuesday announced their 2022 "Local Jobs and Projects Plan," which includes $2.7 billion in infrastructure spending across Minnesota.

"In 2020, we passed the largest jobs bill in state history, investing in the projects that local communities told us matter most to them. Now with Minnesota’s strong economic outlook, we have an opportunity to make even more progress," Walz said in a news release.

"With a focus on projects like roads, bridges, fire stations, and veterans homes, our plan will repair and replace critical infrastructure and improve the lives of Minnesotans in every corner of the state."

Here's what the plan includes:

Asset Preservation

• $1 billion in funding to maintain and renew public property
  • Includes $260 million to repair and replace buildings in the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems
  • $111 million for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to repair the buildings, roads, trails, public water accesses, bridges, and recreational facilities

Infrastructure

• $560 million in infrastructure projects across the state
  • $120 million for local bridge replacements
  • $90 million for local road improvement projects
  • $200 million in local water infrastructure grants and loans

Housing and Homelessness

• $450 million in safe and affordable housing projects
  • Includes $250 million investment in Housing Infrastructure Bonds to provide supportive housing for Minnesotans across the state

Community and Equity

• $400 million to support projects across the state "that build thriving communities"
  • Includes a $100 million focus on equity in bonding to ensure projects reach those communities that have been traditionally excluded from capital investments and investing in organizations serving Black, Native, and communities of color

Environmental Stewardship

• $262 million in environmental stewardship projects across the state. Includes:
  • $20 million in flood hazard mitigation grants to local governments
  • $13.8 million in statewide electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • $60 million in capital improvements to bus rapid transit
  • $20 million for local government stormwater construction grants
  • $8 million in dam safety repair and reconstruction.

According to Walz's office, the plan would use $2 billion in general obligation bonds, $250 million in appropriation bonds, and $276 million in general fund cash.

"Our 2022 Local Jobs and Projects plan will help build stronger, safer, and more equitable communities across the state," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

"Whether it’s expanding access to safe and affordable housing, building safer roads and bridges, upgrading higher education facilities, or investing in organizations serving Black, Native, and communities of color, we have an opportunity to make transformative change in communities across the state."