Local legislators are optimistic about the odds that one or both buildings will get funded in what’s called the bonding bill, which authorizes long-term borrowing for projects of regional or statewide significance.

Legislators said the Trafton Hall proposal has strong legislative support.

“It’s really tied to economic development,” Dorn said.

He referred to Trafton Hall’s science and technology focus, a place where he said Minnesota and the nation want to stay competitive.

And the new MnDOT headquarters has wide support, as well.

Rep. Ruth Johnson (DFL-St. Peter) said the fact that the proposal has been turned down “heightens the chances that it will be passed with this bonding bill.”

But each bonding bill is the result of political compromise, especially because they come on election years.

“If people feel that their projects are being ignored it’s harder to get their votes,” Dorn said. “You’ve got to please a lot of people to pass this.”

The bill requires a three-fifths majority in each chamber to pass, and Dorn said there’s speculation that it will be larger than $900 million.