ST. PAUL -- A parade of nearly 50 people went in front of the House Capital Investment Committee Tuesday afternoon and evening with one goal -- to get more money for their pet projects.
The rapid-fire testimony will help House members follow the lead of senators and approve a bill funding public works projects around the state.
Discussion ranged from parks to schools.
A representative of resorts and campgrounds complained that the governor and Senate want to spend $1.5 million to build cabins in state parks that he said will compete against businesses he represents.
It is wrong for "the state to venture into competition," said Tom Day of the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association.
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He also said the proposed cabins are too small to meet state Health Department guidelines.
However, Rep. Denny McNamara, who sponsored the "camper cabin" bill in the House, disputed they would be competition.
Cabins would be small and simple, McNamara said, not like resorts. Each of the 78 cabins would have two light bulbs and heat.
Rep. Bernie Lieder, DFL-Crookston, said Polk County needs state money to help build a road leading to an ethanol plant due to be built starting later this year. It is not in the Senate bill, but the road is vital to the 40 people who will work at the plant, Lieder said.
Red Lake schools Superintendent Stuart Desjarlait appeared in front the committee for the fourth time in recent years, saying his district needs more than $55 million to replace antiquated schools. Population on the Red Lake Indian Reservation is booming, he said. There were 180 babies born last year, 40 more than expected.
Schools contain mold and violate state labor rules, he said.
The Senate put $15 million in its public works bill, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty requested $10 million.
Some projects discussed Tuesday were in a public works bill senators passed last week. Some were skipped over and their supporters hoped to get representatives' attention on the issue.
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The scene was unusual -- the House committee examined what was and wasn't in the Senate bill.
The Senate bill would borrow $990 million for projects, with a large percentage going to repair colleges and universities.
Pawlenty's proposal is $145 million below the Senate; the House is expected to come in between the two.
