From the office of Senator Aric Putnam
“A vibrant, walkable downtown and a beautiful riverfront are investments in our economic future and our quality of life, and we deserve them.”
ST. CLOUD, MN. – Senator Aric Putnam highlights millions coming to Saint Cloud infrastructure in a recent letter to the St. Cloud Times after delivering on one of his accomplishments of this last legislative session. The $1.2 billion bonding bill was signed into law this week and this will allocate $12.4 million to local projects that St. Cloud and Central Minnesota communities have worked toward for years.
This means big things for Saint Cloud State University and downtown St. Cloud, which have been separated for too long. This money will allow the city to connect these two places but also rebuild its 5th Avenue through creating visible crossings and an appealing pedestrian mall.
“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,” said Senator Aric Putnam.
The bill includes major investments in St. Cloud regional infrastructure:
- 5th Avenue Downtown Connection ($3.4 million): A complete street redesign 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.
- 332nd Street Redesign ($3 million): Significant safety improvements to a key roadway serving the St. Cloud area.
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, delivering $32.2 million for Minnesota’s veterans.