SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, the Senate passed the Transportation omnibus budget bill (HF 2887) on the floor. The bill would provide a historic investment in Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Following the vote, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
“This bill addresses the need for long-term investments in our roads. The legislature has not meaningfully invested in our roads in 30 years. The lack of investment shows in the unprecedented plague of potholes all across Minnesota. Our transit system is on the verge of financial collapse. Ridership safety issues are a serious challenge. By making critical investments in transportation right now, we will see an enormous return on investment and fewer negative outcomes that people face from our current roads.”
Some highlights of the bill include:
• Increasing Minnesota’s transportation revenue to improve Minnesota’s deteriorating roads, bridges, and transit systems.
• Appropriates several hundred million dollars to provide required state matches to receive federal infrastructure funds.
• Supports local roadway infrastructure with permanent funding.
• Improve Metro Transit rider safety through security measures and provide personnel to enforce rules and connect riders to social services.
• Changing the responsible authority for large-scale transit projects from the Met Council to MnDOT.
• Ensures a future for intercity passenger rail in Minnesota.
HF 2887 passed in the Senate and will now move to a conference committee for resolution with the bill passed by the House.
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