David Joles / Star Tribune Long-delayed repairs to Minneapolis' 10th Avenue Bridge were at the top of the agenda Friday in a meeting between Mayor Betsy Hodges and Gov. Mark Dayton, who is preparing a bonding proposal.

Hodges is seeking the governor's attention for the city's $42.5 million request for the bridge, which received its last significant update in the 1970s. The city had previously received $3.3 million in federal funds for a repair project, but returned the money after learning that the project would be far more expensive -- and wouldn't be completed before those funds expired.

Hodges said the bridge sustained considerable wear and tear during the period when the Interstate 35W Bridge was under construction and is a top priority.

"It's critical for the city and for the University of Minnesota," she said.

Both the mayor and Matt Swenson, a spokesman for the governor, said the meeting was productive. Swenson said the governor appreciated hearing about the city's specific needs and plans to have his bonding proposal ready in the next few weeks.

Still, Swenson said, there are plenty of proposals to consider.

"There are always more requests than there are resources," he said.