With the 2026 Minnesota Legislature expected to take up a capital projects package during the upcoming session, St. Paul’s wish list includes help with renovations for Grand Casino Arena, the Mississippi River Learning Center near Crosby Farm Regional Park and a revamp of the Big Cat exhibit at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

The St. Paul City Council discussed a proposed legislative platform spelling out the city’s priorities ahead of the session, which starts Tuesday. The five-page legislative agenda includes a list of six major construction projects that would benefit from a “robust bonding bill that addresses the growing backlog of local public infrastructure needs and invests in important regional projects.” It does not yet list requested dollar amounts.

In a recent interview, Mayor Kaohly Her said the final funding requests are still being fine-tuned but will be ready early in the session.

What is a ‘bonding bill’?

A bonding bill refers to legislation that allows the state to borrow money by issuing bonds to finance long-term public infrastructure projects. Bonding is used largely because the facilities they pay for provide services over a number of years and the large costs can be difficult to pay for all at once.

While bonding bills are typically done in even years, Minnesota lawmakers didn’t pass one in 2024. Last year, they passed a $700 million package.

“I think we’re all hopeful,” said Jennifer O’Rourke, director of intergovernmental relations for the city. “It takes special math and politics to get a bonding bill done. It’s Sen. (Sandy) Pappas’ last year, as she’s retiring. This would be the last bite at the apple, unless there’s a special session later, which they don’t usually do in off-years.”

Governor’s proposal

Meanwhile, last month Gov. Tim Walz proposed a $907 million infrastructure plan ahead of the 2026 session.

Most of the governor’s plan goes to preserving existing infrastructure. There’s also money for water and transportation projects, public safety projects as well as affordable housing.

The governor’s proposal is a starting point with a package being debated by lawmakers during the session and a final version negotiated by Walz and legislative leaders.

St. Paul’s requests focus on city facilities

In the past, the city of St. Paul has sometimes requested state bond funds on behalf of projects led by the city’s nonprofit partners. This year, “our request is focused on city facilities,” said O’Rourke, noting most of the city’s bonding requests were submitted last year, if not the year before.

The capital investment projects that would benefit from general obligation bond dollars, with the total amount of last year’s request, include: $10 million for a new Mississippi River Learning Center at the Watergate Marina at Crosby Farm Regional Park; $20 million for a renovated and revamped Big Cat exhibit at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; $3.5 million for the reconstruction of the Randolph Avenue bridge; $8 million for upgrades and improvements to CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints; the repair of the historic Walnut Street steps on Summit Avenue; and funding for the Third Street/Kellogg Avenue bridge reconstruction.

‘State financial partnership’ for renovating Grand Casino Arena

But the city’s top project is a “state financial partnership” for a major renovation of Grand Casino Arena, the concert venue and sports complex that doubles as the home of the Minnesota Wild. Last year, an effort by then-Mayor Melvin Carter and Wild owner Craig Leipold to get state funding for the arena went nowhere.

That assistance could include capital bonding, direct cash funding, annual appropriations, local sales taxes, interest-free loans, sales tax exemptions related to construction, and more.

In addition to Grand Casino Arena itself, “the ask from the Legislature will be inclusive of funding for … RiverCentre, RiverCentre parking ramp, Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the eastbound Kellogg Bridge,” reads the city’s summary of its requests.

Additional priorities for St. Paul

Five additional priorities listed include:

• Amending state statutes to treat major cyberattacks as natural disasters, which would unlock full state reimbursement.

• Creating a state reimbursement program for law enforcement agencies that respond to protests and demonstrations at the State Capitol complex and Minnesota’s Governor’s Residence.

• Investing state funding, through a multi-year process, in the long-term repair of and transit improvements to West Seventh Street, alongside the city, Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council.

• Requesting state funding to buffer the community impacts of Operation Metro Surge, including rental assistance, small-business assistance, food assistance and mental health supports, as well as funding for recovery needs and public safety, public works, emergency management and other costs.

• Incentivizing downtown redevelopment through creative financing tools, which could include the expansion of Tax Increment Financing, historic tax credits and the Catalyzation of Underutilized Buildings credits to include conversions of office space to other uses.

The city is also seeking state funding for other priorities, though not necessarily from general obligation bond dollars. That includes design funding for the future Duluth and Case Community Center on the East Side; funding for a new playground and park at the Heights development on the East Side; reconstruction of Central Village Park in the Old Rondo neighborhood; renovation of the Riverview Library; and the restoration of up to $5 million in funding to support regional parks in St. Paul.

Bonding requests elsewhere in the east metro

Here’s a rundown of project requests for Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties and their cities:

Gem Lake

City officials in Gem Lake have submitted a request for $6.82 million to develop a new water distribution system that is supplied with safe drinking water by neighboring communities. Local private wells, which serve the majority of the city’s residents, have been found to be contaminated with the chemical 1,4-dioxane, according to city officials.

Maplewood

Maplewood has submitted a request for $5.4 million for the city’s East Metro Public Safety Training Facility. Project funds would go toward the design of a main building, ancillary training buildings and a storage building, parking, street and stormwater management and other site improvements.

The facility’s expansion will better support training for first responders, such as social workers, Emergency Medical Services and police officers.

Roseville

Roseville has submitted a request for $1.63 million in order to complete the second phase of renovations at the Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval recreation facility. Renovation plans call for roof replacement, ADA-compliant restrooms, ice rink lighting and HVAC upgrades, needs that were identified through a 2018 assessment of the facility.

Vadnais Heights

Officials in Vadnais Heights have submitted a request for $1 million in order to construct a 2.25-mile multi-use trail as part of its Vadnais Boulevard Trail project. The trail would run along the southern edge of Vadnais Lake and enhance safety and connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Ramsey County

Ramsey County officials are requesting $20 million for the Park at RiversEdge and $8.5 million for Aldrich Arena.

The Park at RiversEdge will be a 9-acre park connecting downtown St. Paul to the Mississippi River and “serve as a catalyst for $800+ million in private investment,” according to county officials. Funds would go toward acquisition, design, furnishing and construction. The county has committed $26 million to the project, with another $6.22 million coming from the state in the 2023. The project is expected to include dedicated retail and restaurant space and trails.

Aldrich Arena in Maplewood is transitioning into a multi-purpose community event center, with requested state funds expected to go toward facility upgrades needed for this. Facility improvements would include restroom and locker room remodeling and expansion, a new entrance, a loading dock for events that include concerts, regional ice tournaments, performances and trade shows, lighting and security improvements, ADA upgrades and other upgrades.

Rice Creek Watershed District

The Rice Creek Watershed District is requesting $6.84 million for the final phase of its Jones Lake Climate Resiliency Improvement Project, as approved by its board of managers in September. The funding request would go toward upgrades to a regional stormwater facility, increasing flood storage and reducing flood risks to regional and interstate roads. It also would enhance protection for more than 400 private properties.

The project is being completed in cooperation with the cities of New Brighton, Roseville and St. Anthony. A proposed structure would improve the Jones Lake basin’s ability to temporarily store stormwater runoff and protect the area during flooding.

Washington County

Washington County is asking for $35 million for six projects, including road improvement, a sustainable lumber project and the construction of the County Road 19A and 100th Street realignment project in Cottage Grove.

They include:

• $4 million for the Washington County Wood Recovery and Utilization Program to develop the sites needed to convert surplus tree material into sustainable lumber and carbon products.

• $2 million to design and construct improvements at the intersection of County Highway 10, County Highway 17 and County Road 17B in Lake Elmo.

• $500,000 in state funds for intersection improvements at County Highway 18 (Bailey Road) and County Highway 19 (Woodbury Drive) in Woodbury.

• $22.5 million to construct the County Road 19A and 100th Street Realignment Project in Cottage Grove.

• $3 million to construct a trailhead and trail connection(s) from County Highway 5 to the Brown’s Creek State Trail in Stillwater.

• $3 million to light a section of trail at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

Woodbury

Woodbury has requested $2 million to renovate La Lake Park. The initiative is aimed at improving the park’s accessibility, preserving natural resources, improving trails, and adding and enhancing facilities.

Designs for the project will be completed in 2026, and construction is planned to take place from 2027 through 2028.

Newport

Newport is asking for $7.66 million to construct and improve the city’s aging sewer infrastructure. The pipe system, constructed in 1960, is allowing for inflow and infiltration, according to city officials. Water is entering sanitary sewer lines, creating issues for the city and the greater area. Newport officials hope to begin the project in 2026 and complete it in 2027.

Oak Park Heights

Oak Park Heights is asking the state for $1.6 million to support the design phase of a critical water treatment system to address contamination by per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals.

PFAS presents public health and environmental challenges, and the Oak Park Heights water treatment design project is aimed at delivering safe water to its residents. If awarded funds, design work would begin in 2026, and the design would be complete by 2028.

Dakota County

Dakota County is asking the state for more than $57.1 million, spread across three projects — renovation of campground buildings at regional parks, and road safety infrastructure for county roads.

The request breaks down this way:

• The county’s top priority is $12.6 million for County Road 50 road safety and pedestrian improvements at Interstate 35 in Lakeville. The project involves reconstructing and widening a portion of the thoroughfare in Lakeville between Kenrick Avenue and Klamath Trail/170th Street. Concepts also include new pedestrian crossings and paths.

• $22.5 million for expansion of County Road 46, from state Highway 3 to U.S. Highway 52 in Rosemount.

• $22 million for replacement of campground buildings and a beach house at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, and also campground buildings at Lake Byllesby Regional Park in Cannon Falls.

Burnsville

Burnsville has submitted a request for $8.75 million in order to renovate the city’s water treatment plant. Renovation plans call for replacing electrical components, upgrading water lines, and overhauling the treatment process, in addition to land acquisition to increase the footprint of treatment sites.

The funding has been asked for in phases — $1.75 million in 2026, $750,000 in 2028 and $6.25 million in 2030.

Burnsville Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Rhode said the city asked for a multi-year request because the project will take multiple years to complete, and this request represents a realistic time frame for the water treatment plant work.

Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights is requesting $12 million for a renovation of its City Hall and police department. City officials said the current facility, constructed in 1987, needs updates in terms of security upgrades, additional space for departmental needs, increased accessibility for those with special needs, and the building’s overall energy efficiency.

South St. Paul

In South St. Paul, city officials are requesting $11 million, spread across two projects: $6 million for the family aquatic facility and $5 million for the public works facility.

West St. Paul

West St. Paul is asking for a total of $9.85 million, spread across five projects involving parks and sewer work.

They are:

• $3 million for a new park at 150 Thompson Ave. The as-yet-unnamed park would sit on 2.5 acres, a parcel that city officials have dubbed “the city’s front porch.” Plans call for a small bandshell and amphitheater, along with a playground, areas for concessions and bathrooms, and a splash pad feature.

• $3 million for Southview Park.

• $2 million for upgrades and modernization of the city’s pool and poolside park.

• $1.1 million for sanitary sewer work, and $750,000 for replacement of a sanitary sewer mainline.