A major bonding bill for public works projects would be a big topic of conversation in a normal even-numbered year, but 2020 has been anything but normal as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Even so, advocates for a robust bonding bill say that that doesn’t take away the need to invest in buildings and infrastructure.

In a series of articles and episodes in Beyond the Skyline, Finance & Commerce is taking a closer look at some of the notable bonding requests for 2020. This episode looks at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, which is asking for $15 million in economic development grants for everything from water infrastructure in Greater Minnesota to statewide transportation initiatives.

In the following interview, DEED Commissioner Steve Grove talks about the request and makes a case for why it’s important to keep making those investments – even in the midst of a global public health crisis.

Related links:

https://finance-commerce.com/2020/04/bonding-2020-deed-sees-an-economic-jump-start/

https://finance-commerce.com/2020/03/bonding-2020/