BONDING BILL PICTURE

Governor Pawlenty outlined his bonding bill proposal Monday. The Governor would like to spend 38% of the $965-Million pool on transportation projects to replace 600 bridges around the country from the Lowry Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis to the Highway 2 Bridge over the Zumbro River in Wabasha County. Pawlenty's bill also includes $70-Million for the Central Corridor Light Rail Project that would run along University Avenue between St. Paul and Minneapolis. St. Cloud State Senator Tarryl Clark said those plans won't necessarily fit with those of her party. Clark said higher education and water treatment will place highly on the list of projects. Assistant Majority Leader said solving transportation problems with the bonding bill may be unconstitutional. Clark said Democrats will introduce a Transportation Bill in the session that will be similar to the one Governor Pawlenty vetoed last year but "tweaked" a bit. Senator Clark said leaders will try to modify the bill to gain more votes in the House rather than try for a veto override like last year. The legislative session begins in five weeks.