 Governor Mark Dayton is asking Minnesota lawmakers to fund $1.5 billion in public construction projects after a wall in state-led construction this summer. The legislature failed to pass a borrowing package last year, leading Dayton to up his request for 2017 and call on lawmakers to pass it early in the new legislative session. As part of his proposal, the governor has recommended more than $26 million to fund reconstruction, renovation, and repair projects at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. Their proposal includes $18.897 million to replace Hage Sauer Hall with a smaller academic learning center and $6.35 million for higher education asset preservation and repair at Bemidji State. Dayton also recommends $1.5 million for asset preservation and repair at Northwest Technical College. Their proposal is slightly larger than the proposal Dayton had last year and likely won't impress the Republicans who control the House and Senate. Legislative leaders pushed the governor to slim the package down to $1 billion in 2016 and have raised questions whether a bill is in the cards this year. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.