News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The following is a statement from Lt. Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau regarding pending passage of the 2005 Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill:

“After nearly two years of extensions, Mn/DOT is very pleased that Congress has finally passed a long-term transportation funding reauthorization bill. The new bill is good news for the country and will be of great benefit to Minnesota.”

Although the details of the reauthorization package are still being reviewed, Minnesota state and local governments can expect to receive about $3.5 billion in federal transportation funding through 2009, an increase of 35-40 percent over the previous six-year bill. These funding increases will support critical road, bridge and transit investments.

The funding increases have long been anticipated, and Mn/DOT's current and long-range highway construction programs already reflect these higher funding levels. Many highway projects under construction throughout the state, and many planned for construction in the near future, are the beneficiaries of the new federal bill. Now that the promise of reauthorization has become reality, Mn/DOT can move forward with confidence to build scheduled projects that are dependent on the new funding.”

Note: Passage of the reauthorization bill is important news to Minnesota. Additional statements and sources of information can be found at the following links:

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