Legislative bonding bill update: some wins, some vetoes for River-related projects

When Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a bonding bill approved by the legislature on April 7, he approved $717 million in bond projects but line-item vetoed more than $200 million of other projects. Heres a scorecard on how projects related to the River in the Twin Cities metro fared:

Approved

• $500,000 for design costs associated with construction of an electric barrier to block the upstream movement of invasive Asian carp species. Prevention is better than cleanup, says State Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South Saint Paul), who supported the project. By preparing for this barrier, we hope to protect the Upper Mississippi and Minnesota River systems.
• $5,000,000 for purchase, protection and restoration of land and for improvements through the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program. The legislature earmarked half of the sum for purchase of land in the seven-country metro region.
• $1,000,000 for Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) land acquisition and capital improvements. Among the SNAs eligible for funding is the Pine Bend Bluffs expansion project in Dakota County, a priority for FMR.
• $500,000 for emergency stabilization of buildings at the Fort Snelling Upper Bluff.
• $25 million for RIM program easement acquisitions to preserve, restore, create and enhance wetlands, restore and enhance rivers and streams, riparian lands and associated uplands in order to protect soil and water quality, support fish and wildlife habitat, reduce flood damages and other public benefits.
• $2.9 million for Minnehaha Creek work, enabling the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to renovate Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects in the parks glen area, stabilize creek banks and restore fish habitat.
• $2 million in grants to communities with sewage facilities that are contributing to water quality impairments.
• $3 million in funding to preserve historic buildings and improve visitor services for the Historic Fort Snelling Museum and Visitor Center.
• Another $1.1 million carried over from the 2006 bonding bill for improvements at the Historic Fort Snelling Museum and Visitor Center.

Vetoed

• $100,000 to predesign the Heritage Village Park along the river in Inver Grove Heights.
• $100,000 to renovate the Swing Bridge (Bridge 5600) in Inver Grove Heights to improve public access to the river.
• $2 million for Great River Park work in Saint Paul, including enhancement of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.
• $3.8 million for Upper Landing shoreline protection in Saint Paul.

To view the complete list of projects in the bill, go to the Minnesota Legislatures legislation search page — The bill number is H.F. 380.

The Governors veto message is available for download (488 KB PDF).