Ventura also backs the most expensive single project in the plan -- a $120-million commuter rail line in the North Star corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to St. Cloud. Ventura says the Northstar Corridor, which runs along an 80-mile stretch along highways 10 and 47, would reduce traffic congestion in that fast-growing region. Ventura says Northstar commuter rail is a "smart investment that will have a significant impact on relieving congestion for all Minnesotans as they travel...in and out of the Twin City metropolitan area."

He's seeking money now because $137 million in federal grants and $27 million in local commitments would match the state funds.

The University of Minnesota would get $86 million, or just more than one-third of the $232 million it requested for buildings, under his proposal. The Minnesota state colleges and universities would get $135 million, or more than half of their $251-million request. Most of the money for new buildings would be spent on science labs and technologyprojects.

Ventura rejected all of the projects requested by cities and counties, including the city of St. Paul's requests for money to replace the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, extend Phalen Boulevard and finish restoring the Como Park Conservatory. He also nixed the city of Minneapolis' request for subsidies for a new Guthrie Theater, a planetarium and the Shubert Performing Arts Center.

Although Minnesota faces a budget deficit just short of $2 billion, the state would pay for the improvements through borrowed money. Ventura would finance most of his construction program by borrowing $746 million.