State agencies have deadline for bonding bill wishlist

Nearly a year before a 2010 state bonding bill is likely to see final action, state agencies and local governments face a Thursday deadline to submit their wish lists.

Minnesota Management and Budget sets the deadline so it can submit proposals for public works projects to lawmakers by mid-July.

The Legislature traditionally focuses on projects financed by state borrowing in even years.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is required to offer lawmakers his bonding proposal by mid-January, about three weeks before the 2010 session starts.

The winnowing process won't end until a final bonding bill is signed into law. That usually happens near the end of the session, which is required next year to finish by May 17.

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