Walz listening on earmark requests

"U.S. House"

03/11/2010

By Dustin Kass
Winona Daily News
March 11, 2010

U.S. Rep Tim Walz has received requests for more than $280 million in earmarks for Winona-area projects, including $25 million to test transit technology in Winona and $26 million for preliminary work on a high-speed rail route along the Mississippi River.

Walz, DFL-Minn., last week posted on his Web site the nearly 100 federal funding applications from local governments and nonprofit organizations throughout his district. The earmarks target money already appropriated in the federal budget.

Sixteen of the requests would support area projects, ranging from nearly $190 million requested by the Minnesota Department of Transportation for work on two local bridges to a $90,000 request from the city of Hokah to install a culvert and pump system to deal with stormwater runoff.

The congressman plans to whittle down the list and submit some of the proposals next week to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee for consideration.

"As far as a ballpark number, there isn't a particular number we shoot for," Walz spokeswoman Sara Severs wrote in an e-mail Wednesday. "Rep. Walz is just looking for projects that will create jobs and have a transformative impact on the region."

Among the notable local requests were:

* $25 million for the city of Winona to build a test track and laboratory for Personal Rapid Transit, which uses pod-like vehicles on guideways to shuttle passengers to their destinations. City officials last month also submitted a different request for federal funding to create the Winona Personal Rapid Transit Lab and Partnership Center, saying it would provide a dramatic economic boost to the city.

* $26 million for the Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission for environmental and engineering work on a proposed high-speed rail route running along the Mississippi River - and through Winona - as part of a line connecting Madison and the Twin Cities. State officials have not determined where that route would run through Minnesota, but the application requests the funding under the assumption that the river route will be chosen.

* Nearly $190 million for MnDOT to replace the Interstate 90 bridge spanning the Mississippi River and reconstruct the Interstate 90-Hwy. 61 exchange near Dresbach. The money would also pay for right-of-way acquisition, environmental documents and design plans for Winona's Interstate Bridge.

* $3 million to reimburse the city of Goodview for its now-completed radium treatment plant. Congress authorized the funding in 2007, but the city has yet to receive it.

One of Congress' most vocal proponents of transparency in the earmark process, Walz invited residents to submit online comments at walz.house.gov on the proposed earmarks in what he called a "virtual hearing." He had received more than 700 responses as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Severs said, and comments submitted through 5 p.m. today will be considered as Walz determines which projects to submit to the appropriations committee.

The congressman submitted 44 projects from his district last year, and his selections this year will be posted March 19 on his Web site.

"He is looking for projects whose requesters share his commitment to transparency and accountability," Severs said.

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Other area requests for funding

City of Winona: Requesting $1.36 million to reestablish the outlet from Lake Winona.

City of Goodview: Requesting $1.44 million to reline all the city’s sewer mains.

City of Goodview: Requesting $880,000 to install gates or medians at five railroad crossings to

create a whistle-free zone for trains travelling through Goodview and Minnesota City, Minn.

National Child Protection Training Center, Winona State University: Requesting $3 million to support ongoing services.

Winona State University: Requesting $1 million for planning, engineering design and initial construction for the university’s energy distribution systems.

Rushford-Peterson School District: Requesting $20 million to build a new elementary-high school in Rushford.

Houston County: Requesting $4,185,952 to build a new county public works facility.

Houston County: Requesting $1.358 million to buy new narrow-band radios for all emergency responders.