Minn. gets $2.6B requests for public works cash

The wish list for next year's package of state construction projects has a big price tag - $2.6 billion.

Minnesota Management and Budget posted preliminary requests from state agencies and local governments on Wednesday. The list is the starting point as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and lawmakers start winnowing projects for next year's bonding bill. The final price tag will be much smaller.

The biggest requests include $214 million for a new 90,000-square-foot state data center, $210 million to repair and upgrade higher education buildings and $96 million to continue an expansion of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.

Also on the list are civic and convention centers in Mankato, Rochester and St. Cloud, a new St. Paul Saints ballpark and a rail line between Minneapolis and Duluth.

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