Minnesota Gov. Dayton reveals plan to fix state infrastructure

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a plan to fix Minnesota's aging transportation systems, which would invest $6 billion over the next 10 years to address the state's highway funding deficit, invest $2.356 billion in local government transportation projects and provide $2.92 billion for Metro and Greater Minnesota transit systems. The Governor's proposal would create an estimated 119,000 new jobs and build the infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of a growing population and an expanding state economy.

 

“Inadequate transportation clogs our lives with worse traffic congestion, longer commutes, more dangerous travel conditions. Those deficiencies restrict our future economic growth and detract from our quality of life,” said Gov. Dayton. “If we continue to avoid these problems, they will only get worse. It’s time to begin to solve them. I urge the legislature to work with me this session to begin to repair and improve Minnesota’s transportation systems.”

“Minnesota’s roads, bridges and transit networks form the backbone of our economy. After decades of decline, we must invest in these systems to protect Minnesota’s long-term economic vitality,” said Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith. “The plan that Gov. Dayton and I are proposing would provide the resources we need to build a modern transportation system – driving continued business and job growth and protecting the quality of life enjoyed by all Minnesotans.”

The plan would allow for significant improvements to roads, bridges and transit systems statewide.

In addition to improvements to roads and bridges, the governor said the plan would increase Metro Area transit ridership by an estimated 80 percent, meet 90 percent of all transit needs in Greater Minnesota and increase transit service in Greater Minnesota by nearly 500,000 hours of service each year.

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