In the final hours of a special legislative session, the Senate passed a robust transportation budget with bipartisan support. The budget, authored by Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), represents the largest ongoing commitment to road and bridge funding since 2008.

“I am tremendously pleased to see this bill pass the Senate with broad, bipartisan support. We spent months working on a comprehensive package that funds roads and bridges, as well as economical metro-area transit options like buses. I believe we have delivered a package that meets the needs of all Minnesotans,” said Sen. Newman, who chairs the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.

Compared to the previous budget, the current transportation package spends $600 million over the next two years – $300 million of which is permanent funding – without raising the gas tax or increasing license tab fees. In addition, the 2017 bonding proposal contains another $300 million. More than 8,800 lane miles and 200 bridges are expected to be repaired or replaced over the next ten years under this budget.

The budget uses an existing sales tax to fund much of the investment. By redirecting auto-related sales taxes into a dedicated fund for roads and bridges, this funding will be available on an ongoing basis.

In addition, the budget contains language requiring MnDOT to create an unbiased, public project selection process that will lead to a fairer and more transparent process. Weight restrictions for road construction materials and milk trucks are increased, making it easier for industries to grow. Finally, taxpayers will no longer be required to automatically subsidize the cost of light rail transit in the metropolitan area.

“Minnesota hasn’t seen a roads and bridges funding package like this in years,” Sen. Newman continued. “I truly believe this bipartisan piece of legislation is good for all areas of Minnesota – an investment into the future of our state. With sound, robust funding for our infrastructure, our state will remain a great place to live, work, and raise a family for years to come.”

Sen. Newman is serving his third term representing Senate District 18, which includes communities in McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright Counties. Sen. Newman serves as chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee and served as co-chair of the transportation budget conference committee.