State Bonding Bill Just Passed This Morning

The $1.9 billion public works construction bonding bill is now headed to het Governor’s desk after months of stalemate. The Republican led State Senate voted 64-3 today in favor after the Democratic led State House voted yesterday in favor 100-34. This is very good news for infrastructure as well as MN Zoo also. Our Chamber as part of the Federation of Chambers who work with MN Chamber on state issues said it includes very good news for small businesses. It supported Section 179 federal conformity for fix this much needed fix providing $208 million in tax relief for small businesses and farmers who invest in MN operations for new equipment. MN now will follow the Federal standard. There should be no more special sessions this year after many restarts.

MINNESOTA ZOO

The following is the passed language for MN Zoo in the bonding bill, a huge relief to preserving Apple Valley. This will take the old monorail and allow for the worlds longest zoo skyway above the trees throughout the zoo and will be a major new attraction.

Sec. 11. MINNESOTA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$13,000,000

To the Minnesota Zoological Garden Board

for the purposes specified in this section.

Subd. 2. Asset Preservation

13,000,000

For capital asset preservation improvements

and betterments to infrastructure and exhibits

at the Minnesota Zoo, to be spent in

accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section

16B.307. Notwithstanding the specified uses

of money under Minnesota Statutes, section

16B.307, the board may use this appropriation

to construct and renovate trails and roads on

the Minnesota Zoo site. Notwithstanding the

specified uses of money under Minnesota

Statutes, section 16B.307, this appropriation

may be used to replace the building that

provides the entrance to the monorail structure

and to design, construct, furnish, and equip

the renovation of the monorail structure as an

elevated pedestrian trail.