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.

The new center ice logo at the renamed Grand Casino Arena, formerly Xcel Energy Center, in St. Paul on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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.

An architectural rendering of the proposed Mississippi River Learning Center to be built near Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. (Courtesy of W Architecture)

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.

Demolition continues on the Kellogg Boulevard/Third Street bridge in St. Paul on on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. The $91 million project, expected to be completed by fall 2027, will replace the bridge, deemed structurally deficient, that connects downtown St. Paul and the East Side. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

‘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 on Friday, Dec, 12, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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.

Related Articles

Immigration crackdown, fraud top issues as Legislature prepares to convene Tuesday

MN Capitol: Screening will keep knives out, handguns allowed with permit

After one month, how is Minnesota paid leave holding up?

Burnsville takes new approach to implement affordable housing programs

Audit: Changing procedures may safeguard $1 billion in MN Medicaid programs

MARGUERITE HOLLOWAY: Discusses “Take to the Trees: A Story of Hope, Science, and Self-Discovery in America’s Imperiled Forests.” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

Lori Rader-Day

MINNESOTA MYSTERY NIGHT: Welcomes bestselling Chicago-based writer Lori Rader-Day discussing, with St. Paul professional book reviewer Kate Malmon, how and why books become bestsellers. Rader-Day has written eight novels, including “The Lucky One” and “Under a Dark Sky.” 7 p.m. Monday, Lucky’s 13 Pub, 1352 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota. $13 reservation charge that includes $5 gift certificate. Reservations at: buytickets.at/minnesotamysterynight/2031381.

GEOFF PECK: Discusses his novel “City of Clans,” which follows a community college student struggling with his identity and sexuality on the eve of the 2009 G20 Summit protests, presented by SubText Books. 7 p.m. Tuesday, University Club, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul.

POETRY NIGHT: With Lindsay Stuart Hill, Jolene Brink and Peter Campion. 6 p.m. Thursday, Next Chapter Booksellers, 38 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

READINGS BY WRITERS: Host Tim Nolan welcomes writers Renee Gilmore, John Reinhard, Francine Conley and Anthony Ceballos. 7 p.m. Tuesday, University Club, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul.

MK ZARIEL: Presents the poetry chapbook “Boy Apparition,” about being a transmasculine butch. 7 p.m. Monday, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

What else is going on

(Courtesy of Calumet Editions/Afton Press)

An “emergency anthology” of Minnesota writers, “Ice Out: Minnesota Writers Rising Up,” which bears witness to the Minnesota ICE surge, is announced via Facebook by Ian Graham Leask, publisher at Afton Press and Calumet Editions, joint sponsors of the book scheduled to be available in Kindle and paperback editions and in bookstores. “Thanks to all the generous writers who responded to our call to write against a tight deadline and compose potentially the most important work of their lives,” Leask writes.

Adam B. Perry, a Minneapolis resident, is featured in the current issue of “Kaleidoscope: Exploring the Experience of Disability through Literature and the Fine Arts.” His creative nonfiction essay “Falling Forward” appears in Issue 92, themed “Seasons.” The work was selected from more than 400 submissions considered for the award-winning publication from United Disability Services. Perry’s essay explores how he overcomes fear when lost or stumbling over the unseen because of blindness. He views disability as an alternative life experience filled with challenge and reward.

Related Articles

9 romance novel recommendations to spice up your Valentine’s Day

Q&A: Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera shares stories from the Cuban Revolution to stardom

Readers and writers: A treasure for young readers (and something for adults, too)

Literary calendar for week of Feb. 8

What’s like got to do with it? Sara Levine on the art of ‘difficult’ women

In 1995, a retired insurance executive named Walter Kaye recommended a friend’s daughter for an unpaid internship at the White House. You will remember her name: Monica Lewinsky.

But you probably don’t remember Kaye, who had contributed about $350,000 to the Democratic National Committee. He had advised Bill Clinton on how to use his personal insurance policies to pay his legal expenses in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case. Kaye had been an overnight guest at the White House. And he was“very tight’ with Hillary Clinton, a former Clinton administration official said.

He was also close to Lewinsky’s mother, who asked him to put in a good word for her 21-year-old daughter. Lewinsky would later have a scandalous affair with Bill Clinton, who was impeached for lying about it. Nobody batted any eye at an otherwise unremarkable young woman getting a plum Washington internship simply because of her connections to the rich and powerful.

I’ve been thinking about that history amid recent news that Jeffrey Epstein helped filmmaker Woody Allen get his daughter into Bard College. Wealthy people get an unfair advantage in college admissions and everything else. Let’s call it what it is: affirmative action for the rich.

And it’s on rich display in the Epstein files. In 2016, Epstein emailed Bard President Leon Botstein and asked him to coordinate a visit to the campus for Soon-Yi Previn, Woody Allen’s wife. A frequent correspondent with Epstein, Botstein wrote back and said he was “delighted to help.”

The same day, Previn sent a note to Botstein. “Thank you so much for your offer to help our daughter, Bechet Allen, get into Bard College,” Previn wrote. “I will take you up on the offer.:)”

In a statement last week, Bard College said that Bechet Allen “was accepted on the merits of her own qualifications for admission.” Perhaps so. But it’s a whole lot easier to display your merits when a billionaire financier is vouching for you.

All of this comes amid attacks by the administration of President Donald Trump of race-based affirmative action and its pledges to return to the ideal of merit. “We believe that whether you are a doctor, an accountant, a lawyer, or an air traffic controller, you should be hired and promoted based on skill and competence,” Trump told Congress back in March. “You should be hired based on merit.”

That rings hollow coming from the same administration that recently sent out a recruiting message seeking prosecutors for the Department of Justice who“support President Trump.” That’s affirmative action based on ideology, not race. No Democrats or Never-Trump Republicans need apply.

Despite its insistence upon“merit-based admissions policies” at universities, meanwhile, the White House hasn’t moved to challenge the most obvious form of affirmative action for the rich: legacy preferences. Over 500 institutions still give you a leg up if your mom or dad went there. But we haven’t heard a peep about that from Trump.

Maybe that’s because three of Trump’s own children attended the University of Pennsylvania, where Trump went (and where I teach).

Trump’s brother, Fred Trump Jr., was an old friend of a Penn admissions officer. In 1966, Trump Jr. called his buddy and told him Donald Trump wanted to transfer to Penn from Fordham. Shortly after that, Donald came down to speak with his brother’s friend. And he was accompanied at the interview by his father, the real estate mogul Fred Trump Sr.

Would Trump have gotten into Penn without the boost he received from his moneyed connections? We don’t know. But here’s what we do know: Affirmative action for rich people makes all of our institutions poorer.

Just ask Walter Kaye. In 1998, he told a grand jury that he regretted helping Lewinsky get her internship at the White House.

Bill Clinton bears the primary responsibility for their affair and everything that came after it. The reality is that Lewinsky wouldn’t have been at the White House without affirmative action for the rich. It happens every day. And that should be a scandal, too.

Jonathan Zimmerman teaches history and education at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the advisory board of the Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest. He wrote this column for Tribune News Service.

Related Articles

Letters: The pillars of my civic faith — the Constitution and voting — are under fire

David M. Drucker: How Trump squandered his most potent political asset

Abby McCloskey: The Heritage Foundation sees the family crisis — but not the fix

Joe Palaggi: What ‘Star Trek’ understood about division — and why we keep falling for it

Nicholas Kristof: These 3 red states are the best hope in schooling