[ST. PAUL, MN] – At a dangerous intersection in Anoka today, Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and local officials emphasized the need to invest in Minnesota’s infrastructure. They highlighted the Administration’s transportation budget proposal and the list of projects it would enable, including the railway crossing at Highway 47 and Ferry Street.

The railroad crossing at Highway 47 and Ferry Street has been deemed one of the worst crossings in the state of Minnesota. Over 18,000 vehicles and up to 80 trains cross the intersection per day at speeds as high as 75 miles per hour. The intersection has been a safety concern for years with major crashes dating back to 1972. In 2003, a teen driver collided with a train, resulting in four fatalities. This project, like many included in the candidate list of more than 500 projects that could be funded with additional revenue, is critical to improving safety and helping traffic move faster and more efficiently in the area.

“At the intersection we visited today, there were 17 car accidents in four years,” Governor Walz said. “We’re talking about 17 car accidents in just 150 feet. That’s no coincidence. This is not safe, and it’s not unique to Anoka. Communities across the state need help fixing dangerous conditions like these. Let’s be clear: This isn’t a choice between whether we want a gas tax or not. It’s a choice between ensuring Minnesota has a 21^st century transportation system or allowing conditions to further deteriorate and risk our safety.”

“Whether it’s a crumbling bridge, a dangerous pothole, or an unsafe intersection—we simply cannot ignore the critical and growing need to invest in our state’s infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “That is why our budget proposal provides sustainable, long-term funding solutions to meet our state’s growing transportation needs and ensure Minnesotans can travel efficiently and safely.”

“Our economy and quality of life in Minnesota depends on our ability to get where we need to go safely and efficiently,” said Commissioner Anderson Kelliher. “Governor Walz’s budget proposal truly reflects his One Minnesota vision by providing comprehensive and dependable funding Minnesotans can count on to fix our existing infrastructure and invest in the future.”

“Governor Walz’s transportation budget proposal will ensure Minnesota communities like Anoka County have the modern infrastructure they need to thrive and grow,” said Anoka County Commissioner Mike Gamache. “For too long, our state’s roads and bridges have been deteriorating and important projects have been delayed. I applaud the Governor’s commitment to changing course and investing in transportation in a sustainable and reliable way.”  

“Completing the overpass at the Highway 47 rail crossing is critical to the safety of the residents of Anoka,” said City Manager Greg Lee. “We are grateful that Governor Walz has recognized its importance and look forward to the necessary discussions about improving our state’s infrastructure.”

INVEST IN TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Fund a Comprehensive and Dependable Transportation Plan

Minnesota’s transportation system is aging and struggling to keep up with the demands of our growing population. A recent independent report found that there are over one thousand Minnesota bridges and hundreds of miles of roads that are in poor condition. This costs the average Minnesotan, over $1,000 a year in gas, lost time, and car repairs. The Minnesota Department of Transportation projects that in order to simply operate and maintain our current roads and bridges, the state will need $18 billion over the next 20 years above current revenues. In order to accomplish that goal, Governor Walz’s budget proposes a transformational funding package.

Initiate a 20 cent gas tax increase (phased-in over two years) and index the gas tax to inflation (beginning in FY 2023) to raise approximately $6.5 billion over 10 years. The gas tax will make Minnesotans safer, help businesses and farmers get goods to market, and ensure nothing like the I-35 bridge collapse happens again.

Increase the registration tax (increased tax rate from 1.25 percent to 1.5 percent and base tax fee from $10 to $45; change the depreciation schedule) to raise approximately $4 billion over ten years.

Increase the motor vehicle sales tax from 6.5 percent to 6.875 percent to raise approximately $300 million for roads and bridges over ten years, and $205 million for transit purposes.

Authorizing $2 billion in trunk highway bonds over 8 years starting in 2022.

To help lower- and middle-income Minnesotans pay for transportation investments, the Governor proposes an increase to the Working Family Credit of $100 for each single or head of household recipient and $200 for each married filing jointly recipient. With the transportation funding gap eliminated, Minnesotans will be better able to move to and from work, connect with other parts of the state and beyond, and depend on a smooth and reliable movement of goods and services. This proposal also supports jobs, providing new funds for construction projects that will employ thousands of construction workers and engineers in good paying jobs for years to come.

Replace Aging Infrastructure

Governor Walz’s budget will modernize Minnesota’s transportation system, repairing and replacing aging infrastructure and using materials and processes that will provide a longer, more useful life. More than 50 percent of Minnesota state roadways are 50 years old or older, and 40 percent of state bridges are in the same age range. This proposal will allow Minnesota to replace the aging infrastructure with modern materials and designs that will provide a longer life.

Provide Cities and Counties with Transportation Funding

Governor Walz’s budget will address the long-standing need that county and city governments have for their transportation needs. Most of the miles of roadway in the state are county roads and city streets, which are used for daily trips to and from work. Minnesota’s agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries also rely greatly on local roads to move products and services. This proposal will increase state transportation funding for roads and bridges by as much as 35 percent to Minnesota counties and cities.