Newsmakers: Rep. Ned Carroll Talks About Bonding Requests
Representative Ned Carroll (DFL-Plymouth) is in the back-half of his first term in the Legislature and is reflecting on his work on the Capital Investment Committee. Carroll said he requested appointment to the committee.
“It was my number one request because I wanted to bring some bonding money back to our communities,” said Carroll. “We send an awful lot of tax revenue to the state. We just need a little bit of that love back.”
The renovation and expansion of two local amenities, the Maple Grove Community Center and the Plymouth Ice Center, are requesting state bonding dollars. The city of Plymouth has requested additional money for not only a fourth sheet of ice to be added to the Plymouth Ice Center, but for infrastructure improvements around the area. Maple Grove is requesting funds that would be in addition to revenue generated by a half-cent sales tax that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
“The key is for the committee to look at who benefits from [the facilities] in both Plymouth and Maple Grove as well as regional benefits,” said Carroll.
Inside the Plymouth Ice Center
But several communities are lobbying for the funds. Carroll also toured the state to listen to many different requests.
“It was a fascinating experience,” said Carroll. “There’s a lot of different needs from health and safety issues to wastewater treatment systems and water systems, which are crucial for people. There are also amenity-driven things, like community centers, pools and the like.”
The 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session begins on February 12, 2024.
See also: Golden Valley Requesting $7 Million in Bonding for New Fire Station
