Governor Tim Pawlenty and Lt. Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau announced today a new $2.5 billion transportation investment program that would accelerate dozens of major highway projects across the state.

 "Even though my administration has infused more money into transportation projects than any time in modern history, more work needs to be done. This proposal will reduce congestion, improve safety, and allow Minnesotans to spend more time with their families rather than sitting in traffic," Governor Pawlenty said.

The investment plan is linked to passage of the constitutional amendment that will be on the general election ballot in November. 

The amendment was a cornerstone of Governor Pawlenty's 2005 transportation funding proposal. It would permanently dedicate 100 percent of the revenue generated from the sales tax on motor vehicles (MVST) to highway and transit projects.  Currently, only 54 percent of MVST revenues are distributed to highways and transit.

When fully implemented, in FY2012, the new revenue would equal approximately $110 million annually. Under the 2006 Pawlenty-Molnau investment plan, 100% of new MVST revenues dedicated to state highways would be used for debt service from FY2008-2028.  In FY2029-2038, 46% of the new MVST revenues would be used for debt service on the bonds.  Four-point-two percent of the normal growth in the trunk highway funds in FY2008-2038 will also be used for debt service.

Joining Governor Pawlenty in announcing the plan, Lt. Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau highlighted 22 major highway projects throughout the state that would be accelerated, representing about half of the plan's investment power.

The highlighted projects, which have been delayed or unfunded for years, were drawn from statewide long-term programming plans. Funded projects would address congestion, provide capacity improvements, remove bottlenecks and improve statewide interregional corridors.

"By linking this plan directly to passage of the MVST amendment and highlighting projects that would be accelerated, we give the citizens of Minnesota a very clear sense of the importance of their vote," Lt. Governor Molnau said.  "Support of this amendment will result in substantial safety and improvements to our state highway system.  As we begin to schedule projects under this plan and address any changes the Legislature may make, there is room for the number of benefiting projects to grow. Moreover, by passing this legislation now, we can hit the ground running as soon as the amendment is effective, and save time and money as a result. "

Highlighted projects include:

 
 Hwy. 610 - Brooklyn Park/Maple Grove
 Hwy. 14 - Waseca to Owatonna (2 projects)
 Hwy. 100 - St. Louis Park
 Hwy. 61 - North Shore (3 projects)
 Hwy. 53 - Duluth Arrowhead Rd.
 Hwy. 71/197 - Bemidji
 Hwy. 23 - St. Cloud to Foley
 Hwy. 25 - Buffalo to Monticello
 I-35E - University Ave. to Maryland Ave.
 Hwy. 34 - Detroit Lakes to Park Rapids (2 projects)
 Hwy. 52 - interchanges @ Hadar and Cannon Falls
 Hwy. 60 - Worthington to Iowa border
 I-494 - interchange @ Hwy. 169
 Hwy. 371 - Nisswa to Pine River
 Hwy. 23 Paynesville Bypass
 Hwy. 23/71 - Willmar
 Hwy. 19 - Redwood Falls
 

In 2003, the Pawlenty/Molnau administration proposed the largest transportation funding package in state history. The legislature passed the $900 million package that advanced more than a dozen large scale projects around the state.

"Today's proposal builds on our previous investments in Minnesota roads and transit," said Governor Pawlenty. "This plan is innovative, fiscally responsible and delivers needed projects years ahead of schedule.  I encourage the legislature to consider the plan early in the 2006 session so we can get these - and even more - projects ready to go."