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Gov. Tim Walz Unveils Capital Investment Plan
The proposal, which will be debated alongside forthcoming packages introduced by the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate leaders, contains critical funding for water infrastructure, transportation, housing, and other programs that benefit cities.
On Jan. 16, Gov. Tim Walz announced his 2024 Infrastructure Plan, his capital investment recommendations for the upcoming legislative session. The $982 million plan would invest in infrastructure improvements across the state, including funding for water and transportation infrastructure, housing, and public safety.
View Gov. Walz’s 2024 capital investment recommendations.
The measure would borrow $830 million in general obligation bonds and provide $152 million from other funding sources, including appropriation bonds, general fund cash, and trunk highway cash. More than $440 million of the proposal is dedicated to asset management to maintain and renew existing public buildings, including nearly $206 million for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota to repair and renovate buildings.
Other proposed investments include:
- Water systems and transportation: $215 million would be used for water and transportation infrastructure, including $119 million to support grants and low-interest loans, $28 million would establish new grant programs to help remove contaminants like PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from drinking water and $2 million for developing a continuous nitrate monitoring network.
- Public safety: $142 million would be used for public safety projects, including expanding laboratory and investigatory capacity for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and planning for a Minnesota State Patrol headquarters.
- Housing: $97 million would be dedicated to housing and the environment, with half of that used for housing infrastructure bonds to back the development of multifamily housing for people facing homelessness, seniors, and families.
- Other infrastructure: $85 million would go to other infrastructure needs across the state, including $40 million for local government projects and $5 million in grants to construct and renovate early childhood facilities to help ensure families have access to early childhood programs housed in safe facilities.
View Gov. Walz’s proposed 2024 capital budget recommendations summary by entity and project (pdf).
Just a starting point
The governor’s proposal marks a starting point to what is likely to be a lengthy process to produce a 2024 capital investment bill. The House and Senate are both likely to unveil bonding packages, and differences with Gov. Walz’s plan will have to be negotiated.
Uphill climb
Bonding bills require a three-fifths majority (60%) to pass the Legislature, so leaders will have to work for bipartisan support to reach final passage of a capital investment borrowing package. Expect final negotiations on a bonding bill to last until the very end of the 2024 session, which will be May 20. It typically is one of the last bills passed before the Legislature adjourns its regular session.
Advocating for city specific projects
Although the League does not weigh in on individual city bonding provisions, its Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) team is here to help city officials navigate the advocacy process at the Capitol.
If you are planning a visit to St. Paul to champion your city’s bonding request(s), be sure to take advantage of the League’s free parking provided to member city officials. If you do park at the League, please check in at the reception desk.
If you have questions about where to go or how to interact with legislators, contact any member of the League’s IGR staff before your visit or when you arrive.