[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz signed three bills into law. The laws offer low-interest loan programs to Minnesota farmers; replenish the state’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account to aid communities recovering from natural disasters; and allow the Minnesota Department of Transportation to apply for a federal loan to complete the final expansion of and improve safety on Highway 14.

“As my Administration focuses on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, our democracy must continue,” Governor Walz said. “Today, I was proud to sign legislation that will help communities recover from natural disasters, improve safety on Highway 14, and offer low-interest loans to farmers. Whatever comes our way, we are still working hard for One Minnesota.”

“While our state and nation’s attention has turned to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still fighting for other critical needs across the state,” Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said. “These laws will support farmers, increase safety on Highway 14, and prepare our state to respond to natural disasters.”

The Governor’s bill signing today included:

• Ch. 67 H.F. 2959, providing funding to the Rural Finance Authority, which offers low-interest loan programs to Minnesota farmers for a variety of farm improvement investments;
• Ch. 68 H.F. 3633, replenishing the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account, which reimburses local communities across Minnesota following natural disasters;
• Ch. 69 H.F. 3977, allowing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to apply for a federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to complete the final expansion of Highway 14—the 12 miles of two-lane traffic between Nicollet and New Ulm.