Stalled $907M bonding bill imperils Minnesota infrastructure

Negotiators in the Minnesota Legislature have stalled a $907 million bonding package, imperiling statewide funding for metro roads, bridges and water systems with about two and a half weeks left in the session.

The governor and DFL leaders pushed the plan, but legislative leaders have not set budget targets, leaving the bill's future uncertain. Negotiators say the package will not include $200 million in state funding for St. Paul's Grand Casino Arena, though some money for Roy Wilkins Hall may still be considered.

The episode traces back to a governor-led push to use the bonding bill for statewide infrastructure needs, including metro roads, bridges and water systems. Normally leaders set bonding budget targets early so negotiators can cut deals, but those targets remain unresolved and time for compromise is shrinking.

With about two and a half weeks left, lawmakers must set targets and restart negotiations to keep the $907 million package alive, or many projects could go unfunded.