FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 10
MEDIA CONTACT – Jake Schneider, (651) 296-9477

Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding the transportation budget:

“The Republican transportation budget is good for Minnesota and represents a serious compromise between the House and the Senate. Republicans have high hopes that, through good faith negotiations with Gov. Dayton, we will be able to finalize a transportation bill this session.

“Yesterday, the Senate and House conference committee agreed on a compromise budget. The bill:

• Provides $5.35 billion in increased funding to fix Minnesota’s roads and bridges – without a gas tax increase.
• Allocates $350 million in new funding for the Corridors of Commerce Program, which focuses on adding lane capacity and congestion relief along our state’s busiest highways.
• Provides $25 million for the local bridge replacement program, as well as improvements to rail safety.
• Establishes fair and transparent construction processes through reforming the MnDOT project selection process.
• Provides increased funding for cost-effective bus transit options, while halting future light rail transit operating subsidies by the state without legislative action.

“Minnesotans sent us here to pass a transportation bill. I encourage you to call Gov. Dayton’s office and urge him to sign this transportation budget into law.”

Sen. Newman is in his third term representing Senate District 18, which includes communities in McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright counties. He also serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.