ST. PAUL, MN—Rep. John Petersburg, R-Waseca, has been named by Speaker-designate Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, as the Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee as Republicans continue filling out their committee leadership roles after taking the majority last month.
Petersburg, who was first elected in 2012, will be sworn in for his second term in January when the 2015 Legislative Session officially begins. During the 2013-2014 session, Petersburg served on both the Transportation Policy and Transportation Finance Committees. Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, will serve as the Transportation Committee Chair. The two committees were combined under the committee structure announced last month.
Transportation is expected to be one of the major issues addressed during the upcoming legislative session.
"Transportation is one of the biggest issues facing our state, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to prioritize roads and bridges, and help improve transportation infrastructure in Minnesota," Petersburg said. "Highway 14 remains at the top of my priority list, and as Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee, I will continue to be a strong advocate to move crucial projects like Highway 14 forward. Safe roads and sufficient capacity to keep commuters and goods moving are a key to keeping Minnesota's economy strong."
"Rep. Petersburg understands we need to prioritize roads and bridges and work to improve Minnesota's transportation infrastructure. Republicans are ready to get to work addressing the transportation challenges our state faces." added Speaker-designate Kurt Daudt, R-Crown.
During his first term, Petersburg authored several bills to advance Highway 14 expansion, and voted for legislation in 2013 that funded the Corridors of Commerce Program that helped provide more than $50 million in funding for segments of Highway 14 in Steele County, Nicollet County, and North Mankato.
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