Local Lawmakers: Winona Could Benefit from Bonding Bill

Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) and Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL Winona) at the 2019 Bridge Dedication Ceremony

(KWNO)- Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz proposed an off-year bonding bill for state public works projects.  

The governor’s proposal calls for $518 million in funding for roads and buildings. It also tabs $10 million for railroad infrastructure that would help the state add a second Amtrak line that would stop in Winona.  

Sen. Jeremy Miller R-Winona told KWNO he’s open to a bonding bill, especially the funding for the railroad projects. He adding the second Amtrak line would bring “significant rail upgrades that would really improve not only the safety but also connection times and delays we currently see in the City of Winona.”  

Miller said Senate Republicans are concerned over money in the bill to fund rebuilding projects in Minneapolis and St. Paul following last summer’s riots. He says that component needs to be further examined.  

Rep. Gene Pelowski DFL-Winona has presented a bill to include port funding in a potential bonding package. He says there’s been an uptick of goods coming into Minnesota’s ports over the past decade.  

“We’re hopeful that we can have a bonding bill. Winona would benefit from that. Not just on the port side but also on the railroad side,” Pelowski said.  

The bill has support from key lawmakers in the Minnesota House.