Pioneer Press: Pawlenty bonding proposal includes $225M for bridges

BY DENNIS LIEN Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 01/14/2008 09:51:49 AM CST

Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed a $965 million bonding package today, with much of the money directed at new and improved roads and bridges.

"This proposal is fiscally responsible and it sets key priorities such as replacing more than 600 local bridges,'' Pawlenty said in a statement.

The package, he said, rises to $1.09 billion when user-financed bonds, trunk highway bonds and extra cash are included.

Almost 40 percent, or $416 million, would go to transportation. Of that, $225 million would be dedicated for local bridges and $30 million for local roads. The Central Corridor light-rail project would get $70 million.

He said the local bridge amount is more than four times larger than the amount in any previous bonding bill in state history.

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