This week, the House Capital Investment Committee, on which I serve, held a joint committee hearing with the House Transportation Committee to dive into the transportation provisions within the new federal infrastructure law. We reviewed the breakdown of investments our communities will be delivered over the next five years, and heard from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, National Conference on State Legislatures, and the Metropolitan Council about what this means for our infrastructure in the long-term. MNDOT testified, for example, that although Minnesota’s share is approximately $300 million in bridge replacement, repair, and preservation, we know it will cost $458 million to rebuild the 772 estimated bridges in need of total replacement. This doesn’t include the 88 historic local bridges in need of preservation in the next five years, which has a price tag of approximately $54 million.  The deterioration of Blatnik Bridge in Duluth show corrosion, section loss, rust, and holes, as documented by MNDOT. The bridge has a 50 year design life and is now 60 years old. Most of the bridges in the nation of this design type have been replaced. There’s no doubt these federal funds will be transformational for communities’ local infrastructure across the state. However, the need to keep up general maintenance on our roads and bridges will not go away by 2026. Hearings like these are important so we can learn and strategize about how to best meet infrastructure needs now and in future years to come. Keep in TouchI hope you and yours have a safe and relaxing holiday.  This was the last photo my sons got taken together with Santa! Being their dad is the best gift I could ever imagine. As we look toward a new year, I wish you and yours a bright and healthy 2022. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime to share input or questions. I’m always happy to help. Sincerely, John |