Hello Friends,
Most finance committees have had their final hearings and are wrapping up their omnibus bills. Here is a quick overview of what went on this week.
Transportation Provision
As I mentioned in my last email update, I am carrying a bonding proposal that would allocate $11.2 million in trunk highway bonds to build an interchange at Hwy 169 and 101st Avenue in Brooklyn Park. I testified in favor of this proposal again in the House Transportation Committee last Monday. Here is a video clip: https://youtu.be/MycID69QlfI
This project will help streamline traffic in the area, increase safety for drivers, and provide easy access for new development. Again, I’ll keep you updated as different provisions are put into our transportation bill.
REAL ID Cost Estimate
On April 14th, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) presented their initial findings to the legislature regarding the costs of switching to REAL ID. DPS estimates that it will costs between $4.3 million to $5.1 million to implement REAL ID, including training, updating technology, and other miscellaneous expenses.
This estimate by DPS is good news!
Currently, Department of Vehicle Services has approximately $12 million available in their operating accounts which could be used to pay for the switch to REAL ID, so we are well within that range with the $4.3-$5.1 million projected cost. If you’d like some more detailed information, here is the DPS presentation overview page by House Public Information:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=10137
As always, I will keep you updated moving forward!
Sincerely,
Mark