From the office of Senator Aric Putnam
SAINT PAUL, MINN — Senator Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud) today celebrated the passage of a $1.2 billion capital investment bill, securing funding for projects that St. Cloud and Central Minnesota communities have worked toward for years.
The bill includes major investments in St. Cloud regional infrastructure:
- 5th Avenue Downtown Connection ($3.4 million): A complete street redesign creating a safe, walkable and bikeable corridor linking St. Cloud State University to downtown St. Cloud.
- Mississippi Riverwalk Connection ($3 million): A scenic riverfront connection between St. Cloud Hospital and the River’s Edge Convention Center, giving residents and visitors a beautiful link to the heart of the city.
- 332nd Street Redesign ($3 million): Significant safety improvements to a key roadway serving the St. Cloud area.
“This is a great day for our whole region,” said Senator Putnam. “These projects address long held community priorities, and I am proud we are finally able to deliver critical funds to improve our community. A vibrant, walkable downtown and a beautiful riverfront are investments in our economic future and our quality of life, and we deserve them.”
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development, Senator Putnam also successfully advocated for funds to help our service members and farmers. The bill delivers $32.2 million for Minnesota’s veterans:
- Building 16 Remodel — Minneapolis Veterans Home ($17.2 million): A full remodel of Building 16, which houses the Domiciliary Program serving up to 50 veteran residents.
- Statewide Veterans Home Asset Preservation ($15 million): Critical preservation funding for Veterans Homes and Cemeteries across Minnesota.
Additionally, the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus will receive $35 million toward a new Magrath Student Center, replacing outdated facilities at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences with a modern hub for student life, learning, and library services.
“This bonding bill invests in people — students, veterans, and the families and workers who make Minnesota a great place to live. I’m grateful to everyone who advocated alongside us to get this done.”