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.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz highlighted a new bonding proposal in Mankato on Thursday, using the Rapidan Dam as a backdrop for his proposed infrastructure package.

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.

Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce his 2025 infrastructure plan Thursday at the battered Rapidan Dam near Mankato. The governor’s proposal is an early step in the process, and comes after the 2024 legislative session adjourned without a bonding bill,