Representative Terry Morrow announces that bills he presented for the Minnesota River Board and on transportation matters have been signed into law this week. In addition, the House and Senate passed the Capital Investment bill, which funds renovations and repairs for the Minnesota Prairie Line, Minnesota State University-Mankato, and South Central College.

As the session comes to a close, it’s great to see positive results from the hard work of many people in our area. These bills will preserve and improve our local college facilities, strengthen our freight rail system, clarify our transportation laws, clean and preserve our waters, and help build our area’s economy.

Working with Senator Dennis Frederickson and Dr. Shannon Fisher of MSU-Mankato’s Water Resources Board, Representative Morrow successfully passed legislation to streamline and enhance the Minnesota River Board’s functions. The Minnesota River Board was first created in 1995 with the goal of making the Minnesota River suitable for fishing and swimming. Covering over 15,000 square miles, Minnesota River basin encompasses 13 major basins and 37 counties.

Representative Morrow’s transportation bill built upon input from area county engineers, including Blue Earth County’s Al Forsberg, Nicollet County’s Seth Greenwood and Sibley County’s Darin Meilke. Under Representative Morrow’s bill, which Governor Pawlenty signed into law, the new default vehicle weight is 10 tons for almost all routes unless otherwise posted. This provision represents a long-sought improvement by area engineers, farmers, and others.

The 2009 Capital Investment bill continues the rail replacement work on the Minnesota Prairie Line, the publicly-owned freight rail that runs through five counties including Sibley County. Minnesota State University-Mankato receives over $2 million for replacement of heating and air conditioning units, windows, elevators, and more. South Central College will undergo over $307,000 in repair and renovation work.

By successfully passing this set of bills, I am encouraged that good jobs will be created and sustained. Public assets for vital government functions—transportation and education—will be preserved. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with local leaders on these and other bills.