Governor’s bonding proposal includes $10 million to support Rapidan Dam recovery

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced his 2025 infrastructure plan at the Rapidan Dam in Mankato. The Governor’s bonding proposal includes $887 million for projects that protect Minnesota’s drinking water, keep communities safe, and support housing development. Investments include funding for a new State Patrol headquarters and $10 million for Rapidan Dam recovery efforts. Photos of the event can be found here.

“I’m proposing an infrastructure plan that will protect our drinking water, improve public infrastructure, and enhance public safety,” said Governor Walz. “Investing in the basics ensures that our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive. With this plan, we’re delivering on the nuts and bolts of what government should provide, making life safer and easier for all Minnesotans.”

“With this bonding plan, we’re expanding on last year’s significant work and making smart investments to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “By promoting a strong economy, supporting affordable housing, enhancing public transportation, and improving infrastructure, we’re benefiting our communities, protecting our children and families, and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.”

Water and Transportation Infrastructure
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s Infrastructure plan invests more than $144 million in water and transportation infrastructure, including more than $107 million to support grants and low-interest loans to keep Minnesota’s water clean. The infrastructure plan also includes $5 million for flood mitigation and prevention, and $10 million for work on the Rapidan Dam.

Public Safety
The infrastructure plan allocates more than $239 million for public safety projects, including expanding laboratory and investigatory capacity for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and building a Minnesota State Patrol headquarters.

Housing and Environment
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have proposed an investment of over $44 million in housing and the environment, including $7 million for public housing rehabilitation and $17 million to update the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Preservation of State Infrastructure
More than $395 million will go toward maintaining and renewing state facilities. This includes $206 million for Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota to repair and renovate buildings. Additional investments include $40 million for local government projects, $3 million for the Duluth Hangar in support of the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard, and nearly $3 million in grants to construct and renovate early childhood facilities.