President Gabel: Infrastructure bill will renew University of Minnesota System and support the state economy

The Minnesota Legislature this week passed a $1.36 billion infrastructure bill, including more than $75 million in general obligation funding for the University of Minnesota System.

The legislation funds:

• $38.5 million for asset repair and maintenance across the U of M System;
• $29.2 million to replace the Child Development Building on the Twin Cities campus;
• $4.4 million to renovate AB Anderson Hall on the Duluth campus;
• $3.3 million to renovate the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory on the Twin Cities campus.

The legislation also provides the University with authority to refinance existing debt and use the savings to support the design, site acquisition, and preconstruction of a clinical research facility on the Twin Cities campus.

The University of Minnesota had requested $317.2 million in capital funds from the state during the 2020 Legislative session.

University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel responded with the following statement:

“I am grateful to Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt and Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent, as well as the bonding chairs, ranking members and lawmakers from both parties, for their strong support of the University of Minnesota’s capital improvement proposal. The infrastructure investment bill passed today will help the University fulfill its statewide mission of advancing education and discovery, now and in the years ahead.

“Importantly, the bill will help realize the significant economic impact of the University’s capital request. Our internal processes are efficient and many of our projects are designed, approved and ready to go. This will allow us to inject state dollars into bonding projects quickly, putting Minnesotans to work at a time when they need it most. With campuses and research centers around Minnesota, our capital improvement agenda will truly have statewide benefits.

“Now more than ever, the University of Minnesota is committed to our 162-year partnership with the state and people of Minnesota. Our medical discoveries and public health experts have guided the state and country through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our graduates are the teachers helping children learn during unusual circumstances, and the doctors and nurses treating patients as they fight terrible illness. By investing in projects to advance research and expand educational opportunities for students, this bonding bill will help the University deliver on its mission of serving Minnesotans for years to come.

“With the Legislature’s action this week, the University will help lead the state's economic recovery during this challenging period of our shared history. I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature and the governor in the years ahead.”