Projects left out of bonding bill try again
By MARTIGA LOHN
Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Promoters of civic center expansions, a light-rail line, a minor-league ballpark and other economic development projects have submitted about 90 applications for a $47.5 million state business development fund.
The requests turned in by Monday's deadline far exceed the available money.
Lawmakers created the fund after leaving a list of projects out of this year's state construction package. It has become the only way to get state dollars for projects that otherwise would have to get in line again when the next Legislature convenes.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will decide how to dole out the dollars.
Local projects have become an increasingly tough sell at the Capitol, with Republicans balking at paying for anything that could be seen as an earmark.
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