In his first public visit to Mankato after his run for vice president, Gov. Tim Walz braved the afternoon cold on Thursday to return to Rapidan Dam and outline his 2025 bonding proposals. His $887 million pitch includes $10 million for dam recovery efforts after last summer’s catastrophic flooding that resulted in the Blue Earth River carving a route around the debris-clogged dam.

Tim Walz looks out at the overflowing Rapidan Dam outside Mankato on June 25. Walz toured flooded areas in a Minnesota National Guard helicopter, flying over Henderson, LeSeuer, Mankato and Waterville.

MANKATO, Minn. – The $887 million infrastructure plan proposed by Gov. Tim Walz Thursday would fund projects to protect drinking water, keep communities safe, and support housing development. The governor’s bonding bill would also invest in a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters and provide $10 million for Rapidan Dam recovery efforts.

In a new infrastructure plan, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will announce $10 million towards recovery of the Rapidan Dam.