City leaders tout $13.224M state bonding win for East Zumbro sewer; staff previews 2027 priorities

City staff summarized outcomes of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and what they mean for Rochester. Heather Corkran said the session was closely divided and an election year, but Rochester achieved notable wins through coordinated local advocacy.

The city’s primary bonding request for East Zumbro sewer and water infrastructure, originally framed as a $9.2 million ask, received $13.224 million in the session’s bonding package. Staff said the result followed sustained outreach, bonding tours and local legislator advocacy, and that public-works teams will coordinate next steps for project design and implementation.

Other session outcomes included bonding opportunities for local roads/bridges, lead-service-line replacement, library construction grants and housing-infrastructure programs that the city may pursue. Corkran noted several legislative items did not pass and remain on the city’s priority list for 2027. Staff also warned that Local Government Aid (LGA) projections show possible near-term declines that will affect the city’s general-fund outlook; city leaders said they will model impacts in the upcoming budget process.

Looking ahead, staff suggested topics for 2027 outreach: continuing sewer/water phases, trail and sidewalk funding, housing infrastructure and partner-driven park and recreation projects. Officials flagged substantial turnover at the Legislature and committee chairs, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to educate incoming legislators on Rochester priorities.

No council votes were required at the study session; staff will return with project-level implementation steps for the East Zumbro funding and further coordination on 2027 legislative priorities.