SAINT PAUL – Today, the House Transportation Committee heard public testimony from 29 individuals or organizations on the impact of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.
In introducing the hearing, Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL- Minneapolis), chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee stated, “Matching federal transportation dollars is our highest priority this year and we will hear Minnesotans’ ideas for how to best invest this unprecedented Federal support."
“Minnesotans deserve a comprehensive transportation system to keep us moving through the 21st Century,” said Rep. Koegel (DFL - Spring Lake Park), vice chair of House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “We rely on roads, highways, and transit options in our communities to go about our day-to-day lives. The IIJA allows us to make the transportation veins as safe as possible for drivers, pedestrians, and transit users and is one of our highest priorities.”
The IIJA provides $4.8 billion to Minnesota over the next five years in federal formula funding for highways and bridges. According to an analysis of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the new bipartisan federal law represents an estimated 30% increase in the state of Minnesota’s highway formula funding.
The IIJA will direct the following transportation investments to Minnesota:
- $820 million to improve public transportation options
- $298 million for infrastructure development for airports
- $107 million to reduce transportation-related emissions
- $121 million to increase resiliency of the transportation system
- $68 million to support the expansion of the state’s electric vehicle charging network
- $50 million to augment commercial motor vehicle safety efforts and reduce crashes
- $39 million for highway safety traffic programs
The Committee heard public testimony from several counties, cities, and organizations from across the state including the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Association of Small Cities, LiUNA Minnesota, Minnesota Association of Townships, Minnesota Rural Counties, MN Valley Transit Authority / Suburban Transit Association, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, and Ramsey, Blue Earth and St. Louis County Commissioners and engineers. The full list of testifiers and materials can be found on the committee’s website.
###