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Lawmakers push to bolster BDPI grants for Greater Minnesota infrastructure
Summary
Senate File 582 would add general‑fund dollars to the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program; supporters said the program has funded 167 grants since 2010 and that a $5 million pipeline will soon exhaust the fund balance, while opponents warned about duplication and base funding.
Senator Mark Jasinski presented Senate File 582 to request an increase in General Fund support for the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program, which provides 50–50 matching grants to help cities and counties extend infrastructure for economic development.
Jasinski said the bill would add $2.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million in 2027, noting DEED and program partners reported a roughly $5 million balance that is largely committed to projects on the queue. Eric Simonson, testifying for program partners, told the committee that since 2010 BDPI has awarded about $75 million across 167 grants, creating more than 5,000 jobs and retaining nearly 10,000. He argued general‑fund support helps bridge gaps when capital investment (bonding) measures are uncertain.
Darryl Dannen of the Greater Minnesota Partnership described BDPI as critical for rural economic development and said the governor’s budget proposed cutting BDPI space funding. Committee members acknowledged BDPI’s record but noted the program already receives base funding and questioned whether adding money to the base during a tight budget cycle is appropriate.
Members laid Senate File 582 over for possible inclusion; no final appropriation occurred in the hearing.
Ending: Supporters urged maintaining or increasing BDPI funding to keep projects moving; the committee tabled the bill for later consideration.
