This proposal will make sure that our emergency services, as well as aging roads and bridges, are repaired and upgraded so Minnesotans can have peace of mind in their day-to-day lives.”

Governor Tim Walz

REGIONAL—Tens of millions of dollars could be headed to the region for new projects based on recommendations issued Wednesday as part of Gov. Tim Walz’s bonding plan. Ely, Crane Lake, Lake Vermilion, and Virginia are among the communities included in the $2.028 billion proposal that Walz unveiled in recent days.
Among the specific area projects recommended by the governor are these:
 Ely’s west end trailhead project—The proposal calls for a $2.8 million grant to to the City of Ely to fund a regional trailhead complex and visitors center serving the David Dill Taconite snowmobile trail, the Mesabi Bike Trail, and the Prospectors Loop ATV Trail. If fully funded, the grant would provide 68 percent of the cost of the estimated $4.1 million project.
“This is big news,” said Ely Mayor Chuck Novak, who credited the persistence of city officials in lobbying legislators and the governor’s office for this kind of funding. “It makes a difference,” said Novak. “It’s always important to make the case.”
 Crane Lake Visitors Center—The governor is recommending $6.6 million for a grant to Crane Lake Township to build a visitor center, campground, boat ramp, and access road in Voyageurs National Park. The total project cost is estimated at $8.6 million.
 Lake Vermilion State Park campground— The governor’s proposal recommends $5.8 million to develop additional campgrounds at Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park.
 Voyageur Country ATV Trail expansion— The governor is recommending $1 million for a grant to St. Louis County to expand the multi-use Voyageur Country ATV trail system to connect existing and planned trails and communities in northern St. Louis County. The state grant would fund 50 percent of the $2 million estimated project cost.
 Virginia Regional EMS Center— Gov. Walz is recommending $10.39 million for a grant to the city of Virginia to build a Regional Fire-Based Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety facility, which will co-locate the fire and police departments. The state funding, if approved, will fund about 40 percent of $25.69 million project.
Among the projects not making the cut was a $3 million proposal by the Tower-Breitung Wastewater Board to upgrade the drinking water treatment plant serving Tower and Soudan.
Prospects for the governor’s bonding plan remain uncertain. Republican leaders, who control the Minnesota Senate, have already indicated that the price tag for the proposal is substantially higher than they are likely to support. But Walz has argued that current low interest rates make it a good time to invest in new state construction and upgrades. “As Governor, my top priority is keeping the people of Minnesota safe,” said Walz.“Public safety facilities across Minnesota – from the National Guard Readiness Centers to local police and fire stations – are in desperate need of 21st century upgrades. This proposal will make sure that our emergency services, as well as aging roads and bridges, are repaired and upgraded so Minnesotans can have peace of mind in their day-to-day lives.”