House GOP Bonding Bill Shuts Out Shakopee Prison Fence

House Republicans have put forward a $280 million public works bill that focuses mostly on asset preservation at the state's higher education institutions, correctional facilities and local road and bridge improvement, according to a report by Minnesota Public Radio.

The proposal is less than half the size of what Gov. Dayton outlined in his bonding bill proposal, and leaves out altogether a $5.4 million fence around the .

Department of Corrections officials are seeking the specific funding amount to construct a perimeter they call a compromise – it's more expensive but fits in with its residential surroundings.

"It's still pretty early in the process – this is not the final bill," said John Schadl, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections. "We're pretty confident that the final bill that is passed will reflect this very important safety concern."

In February, the Shakopee City Council voted to support funding for a fence, with the exception of councilor Matt Lehman, who abstained from the vote.