Transportation advocates hoped the Senate’s more substantive funding package would prevail, but that hope faded over the final weekend of the session.
The initiative was discussed by the tax conference committee and considered as an addition to the transportation finance conference committee report, but ultimately was not included in either bill.
Public meetings are scheduled for May and June.
The initiative was included as a provision in the House’s omnibus tax bill, but the Senate Tax Committee chair objects to it being included in the Tax Conference Committee report.
A substantive Senate package is parked in the Tax Committee, and a “lights-on” measure passed off the House floor on a bipartisan vote.
The preferred version of the street improvement district initiative is included in the House’s omnibus tax bill that was passed by the full House on April 24.
One version of the bill has been included in the Senate’s omnibus transportation finance bill, and another is a provision in the House’s omnibus tax bill.
Note: This article contains information provided by the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
League-backed street improvement district legislation has received the endorsement of more than 75 city councils.
Governor Mark Dayton this week took a strong position in opposition to the gas tax which makes it very difficult to balance a sales tax increase for transit with any new funding for roads.
The Rally for Roads, Bridges and Transit is being held next week in response to the House and Senate omnibus transportation bills that did not include any new revenue for highways or transit.
The agency will spend $1.1 billion statewide to improve safety and mobility for motorists.
Throughout the committee process, numerous legislators have noted that their city officials persuaded them to support the bill.
Throughout the committee process, numerous legislators have noted that their city officials persuaded them to support the bill.
The bill would allow operation of mini-trucks on local roads as passenger automobiles.
The Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee and the House Transportation Finance Committee are planning to hold hearings focused on local transportation needs on Feb. 11 and Feb. 13, respectively.
Gov. Dayton's proposed budget for the 2014-2015 biennium lacks a permanent funding increase for transportation infrastructure.
A statewide public hearing on the 20-year plan will be held Feb. 4, and comments must be received by Feb. 12.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) today announced that Charles A. Zelle, a long-time transportation advocate and businessman, has begun serving as commissioner of MnDOT, which includes managing an annual budget of $2.66 billion.
The committee identified 13 revenue-generating options for state highways, transit, and local roads.
The governor has appointed a new MnDOT commissioner, and the House and Senate have appointed new transportation committee chairs.
The 14-minute video is intended to send a message about the importance of the transportation system to economic development.
The Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan will be used to shape the Department of Transportation’s plans over the next 20 years.
The forums will allow candidates and transportation advocates to discuss the importance of improving Minnesota’s highways and other transportation systems.
Webinars begin this month; statewide meetings begin in October.
The Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan serves as the framework for MnDOT's modal investment plans.
Contact intergovernmental relations (IGR) staff if you have questions about legislative issues.