Infrastructure

Transportation Funding

Background:
The passage of the 2008 transportation funding package, the constitutional amendment devoting 100% of the motor vehicle excise tax to transportation and the State's investment in transportation projects through bonding bills show he importance of our transportation infrastructure and the public’s support of this important investment.

Even with all these successes, the state still falls far short of the funding needed to maintain and improve our transportation system. The State needs $1.7 billion a year in new funds just to address its underfunded transportation needs. Each year we fail to do the responsible thing and address this issue, we dig the hole our State is in another $1.7 billion deeper. In order for Minnesota to remain competitive both nationally and internationally, it is imperative that the State takes continued action to address this shortfall. Investing in our transportation infrastructure pays off by attracting business to the State and increasing our competitiveness with the rest of the country. An efficient transportation system is of great value to the people of Minnesota. It lowers costs to businesses, reduces pollution, energy consumption and our carbon footprint.  

ACEC/MN Position:
We support the increases in funding generated by the 2008 legislature and urge legislators to not allow these increases to be rolled back. With the understanding that in the current economic climate, additional increases are unlikely, it is important for the legislature to look at alternative options for additional funding, such as congestion pricing, mileage taxes and public/private partnerships.