TABLE OF CONTENTS Page i Introduction starts on page ii CHAPTER 1 starts on page 1 Where are we going? The Minnesota GO Vision for the transportation system– a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment and our economy CHAPTER 2 starts on page 15 Where are we now? A current snapshot of Minnesota’s population, economy, and environment along with information about the existing multimodal transportation system CHAPTER 3 starts on page 43 What is directing this plan? Recent changes in policy that affect this planning effort CHAPTER 4 starts on page 57 How will we guide ourselves moving forward? Objectives and related strategies that will help achieve the Minnesota GO Vision CHAPTER 5 starts on page 83 What comes next for MnDOT? Connecting the Minnesota GO Vision, Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan, and modal investment plans and identifying how performance measures will be used to guide investments CHAPTER 6 starts on page 95 How do I get more information? PAGE ii INTRODUCTION The social, economic, and environmental climate of Minnesota is rapidly changing, and it is critical that our state’s transportation system adapt. ThisStatewide Multimodal Transportation Plan for Minnesota takes into account the state’s ever-evolving landscape. It is based on the adopted Minnesota GO 50-year Vision, which places unprecedented emphasis on building and maintaining a transportation system that complements and strengthens the unique social, natural, and economic features of Minnesota. Additionally, this document was developed to align with state legislative goals and federal guidance. Throughout a yearlong process of engaging key stakeholders, members of the public, and transportation professionals, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) worked to develop a multimodal plan truly reflective of statewide interests. In December 2011 at two forums, Minnesota’s transportation stakeholders were asked to provide feedback to help shape draft plan objectives. Stakeholders were also asked to identify the next steps to help realize the Minnesota GO Vision. Feedback resulted in revised objectives and development of statewide multimodal strategies. These draft objectives and strategies served as the primary content for review at a series of ten public open houses conducted around the state in January and February of 2012. The result was further input on draft plan language. After reviewing and addressing comments and feedback, MnDOT returned to its stakeholders in April to share revised text and solicit comments about the refined draft language. Picture of stakeholder forum in St. Cloud, Minnesota As the Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan, this document is reflective of Minnesotans’ voices, as expressed throughout this intensive engagement and review process. The content is strategically organized into chapters that address the most pertinent questions facing Minnesota’s transportation system. The result is a transportation policy framework for all Minnesota partners and transportation modes for the next 20 years that focuses on multimodal solutions that ensure a high return-on-investment while considering the context of place, and how land use and transportation systems should be better integrated. Transportation planning involves public and private interests and all levels of government. Some are responsible for the delivery of the transportation system, either a specific mode or at a specific level. Others are responsible for providing guiding input, either technical or advocating for a specific interest. Page iii The key players that this plan relies on to develop, manage, and operate Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system include all transportation partners—local, regional, state, tribal, federal, private-sector, and other partners. A more comprehensive definition of partners is included in the beginning of Chapter 4 “How will we guide ourselves moving forward?” The Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan is divided into six chapters. The following is a brief summary of each. Chapter 1 “Where are we going?” sets the scene with the adopted Minnesota GO 50-year Vision for transportation. It outlines what Minnesotans said they want their transportation system to be able to do now and in 50 years. This is the long-term goal toward which all transportation plans should lead . To achieve the Minnesota GO Vision, it is important to know the starting point. Chapter 2 “Where are we now?” discusses the state of the state. It defines the existing transportation system and provides crucial context on Minnesota’s quality of life, environmental health, and economic competitiveness. Chapter 3 “What is directing this plan?” provides information on the recent history of transportation planning in Minnesota and how changes in policy affect this planning effort. With this context on the past, present, and future of Minnesota transportation established, we can effectively plan for the development and maintenance of Minnesota’s transportation system. Chapter 4 “How will we guide ourselves moving forward?” articulates objectives and strategies that will guide Minnesota toward the 50-year Vision over the next two decades. To ensure that the objectives and strategies set forth in this plan are used effectively, Chapter 5 “What comes next for MnDOT?” provides the steps necessary for implementation. It outlines how this plan will influence MnDOT’s modal investment plans as well as capital programs and operating plans. Chapter 6 “How do I get more information?” connects readers to additional information that guided the development of this plan. Picture of John Deer tractor harvesting in Minnesota Picture of Mainstreet St. Peter, Minnesota Picture of Northstar Commuter Rail train with Hiawatha light rail in background at Target Field Station in Minneapolis Page iv This page intentionally left blank.