Dayton To Unveil Minnesota Construction Project Wishes

ST. PAUL (AP) - Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton is producing his wish list for state-backed construction projects around Minnesota.

He has said his plan to be released Wednesday would approach $1 billion. It will cover construction proposals on publicly owned property from college campuses to state prisons to regional civic centers.

The only thing virtually assured: the final $126 million installment for a significant restoration of the state Capitol.

He says his office received $3 billion in requests in all.

His proposal opens a debate that will heat up once lawmakers return to St. Paul in late February. But governors tend to get much of what they ask for and have power to line-item veto projects they oppose.

Bonding bills require three-fifths votes to pass, so some Republican votes are essential.