January 14, 2008

Governor proposes great first step in funding transportation

Today Governor Tim Pawlenty released his 2008 session capital bonding recommendations. His proposal, which includes a recommendation of $225 million for the local bridge program and $30 million for the local road improvement program, demonstrates an understanding of local transportation needs. This is a great first step in solving the critical infrastructure needs of county systems. The governor deserves great credit as AMC believes this to be the largest local bridge proposal in state history.

AMC has supported bonding as one tool to help fund the billions of dollars in unmet needs that have accumulated over the past twenty years. It will be a necessary component of any successful comprehensive long-term transportation funding package.

AMC is encouraged by today’s announcement and looks forward to working with the governor and members of the Legislature in developing a proposal that will address all of Minnesota’s unmet transportation needs.

Major elements of the transportation components of the governor’s capital budget recommendations are outlined in the chart below.

Local Bridge Program	GO Bonding	$225 million
Local Road Improvement Program	GO Bonding	$30 million
Local Government Wetland Replacement	GO Bonding	$4.2 million
Central Corridor	GO Bonding	$70 million
Urban Partnership Agreement	GO Bonding	$16.672 million
	Cash	$13.003 million
	Trunk Highway Fund Bonds	$25.170 million
Mankato Headquarters	Trunk Highway Fund Bonds	$23.983 million
Carver County Partnership: Chaska Truck Station	Trunk Highway Fund Bonds	$8.649 million
Design Fees: Rochester & Maple Grove Headquarter & Truck stations	Trunk Highway Fund Bonds	$2 million
St. Cloud Airport Property Acquisition	GO Bonding	$2 million
Northwest Busway Bonds	GO Bonding	Cancelled

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Association of Minnesota Counties

125 Charles Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55103-2108

Phone: 651.224.3344, Fax: 651.224.6540