News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Over sixty developers, financiers, contractors and consultants Thursday joined state government officials representing Administration, Finance, Public Safety and Transportation to discuss the Pawlenty-Molnau FAST lanes initiative. FAST lanes, or Freeing Alternatives for Speedy Transportation, a potential new revenue source, will add capacity to congested highways across the nation. Drivers who choose to use these lanes would pay a fee. The idea is based on a proposal introduced on the federal level by Congressman Mark Kennedy.

Lt. Governor Carol Molnau, who also serves as state transportation commissioner, spoke at the event, welcoming attendees and encouraging an open and wide-ranging exchange of ideas for bringing FAST lanes to Minnesota.

"Today is a great day for transportation. It is about getting ideas and feedback from experts and potential private investors about their interest in partnering with the State. We need to proceed with due diligence and confirm sincere private-sector interest in pursuing this initiative." said Molnau.

Mn/DOT anticipates using a formal solicitation process. Molnau said she expects the department to issue a request for letters of interest from the private sector within four to six weeks.

Governor Pawlenty and Lt. Governor Molnau announced this initiative last December to solicit proposals from private companies to construct FAST lanes on Minnesota highways.

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For more information on FAST lanes, visit the Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/fastlanes.