ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Senate voted Monday to put $329 million on the state's credit card to fix up college buildings, renovate St. Paul's Como Zoo and expand the St. Cloud Civic Center.
Minn. Senate approves $329M public works bill
The bill passed easily, with only eight no votes, after senators narrowly turned back an attempt to strip $11 million from the zoo and spent it instead on housing programs.
That amendment fell three votes short.
Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, said the bonding bill will create about 5,000 jobs because most of the projects are repairs and renovations that can begin quickly.
Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, said the state shouldn't be borrowing more when it's already over its self-imposed debt limit.
The state's share would help start $367 million worth of projects, with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, the University of Minnesota and some other recipients paying a share.
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The lifelong northeast Minneapolis resident led a one-vote majority through the landmark 2023 session.