DNR asks lawmakers for $98 million in 2025 bonding to tackle deferred maintenance, fund drill core library and flood grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asked the Capital Investment Committee on Feb. 13 for $98 million in the governor’s 2025 bonding proposal to address deferred maintenance, add capacity at the Hibbing Drill Core Library and fund local flood- and park-related grant programs.

Samantha Minkler, the DNR capital asset manager, presented the request with Assistant Commissioner Bob Meyer. "The DNR manages and maintains public land and infrastructure on behalf of Minnesotans, providing countless benefits to our state," Minkler said as she outlined the agency’s asset portfolio and its capital priorities.

Minkler told the committee DNR’s request groups projects into asset preservation, building betterment, acquisition and betterment of public lands, accessibility improvements and community investments. The agency seeks $61,000,000 for asset preservation, $11,100,000 for building betterment (with the Hibbing Drill Core Library as the program's top priority), $6,500,000 for land acquisition and betterment, $1,900,000 for accessibility work, $10,000,000 for a dam safety grant program, $5,600,000 for a flood hazard mitigation grant program, and $1,900,000 for parks and trails local and regional grants.

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