Minn. Panel Considers Borrowing For Flood Projects

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A House bonding committee is taking up a $28 million proposal for flood-relief projects from Austin to Roseau.

Tuesday's hearing in the House Capital Investment Committee comes as Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's recommendation for $1 billion in state borrowing has gone nowhere in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Dayton wanted to fund projects including civic centers, a minor-league ballpark and college labs.

GOP lawmakers have said they prefer to limit borrowing to emergency flood-related projects this year.

The bill from Republican Rep. Larry Howes of Walker would pay a share of local projects in up to 19 communities to control future floods and prevent damage to homes, infrastructure and crops.

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