March 11, 2015
Rep. Ron Erhardt unveils transportation finance plan
Legislation would combine various approaches to achieve necessary financing for Minnesota roads and bridges
ST. PAUL, MN – Today [Wednesday, March 11, 2015], State Representative Ron Erhardt (DFL – Edina) unveiled legislation (HF1680) aimed at supporting transit and repairing Minnesota’s crumbling roads and bridges.
"This legislation is the start of a conversation," said Erhardt. "There are parts Republicans support, there are parts the Governor supports - my goal is to find a middle ground that we can all agree will fix Minnesota's roads, bridges and transit funding now."
Rep. Erhardt’s legislation uses a combination of approaches to direct more transportation-related sales tax to the Highway User Tax Distribution fund (HUTD), and to redirect certain gas tax revenues to pay for highways.
“There are currently 33 states that use general fund revenue to help address their transportation needs,” said Rep. Erhardt. “I think it’s time we at least consider this option.”
Non-partisan House Research estimates that over $200 million annually comes from HUTD revenue, but is used for purposes other than road and bridge construction and maintenance. Rep. Erhardt’s proposal would combine appropriation shifts with transportation-related sales taxes and other new revenues to help solve the large, and growing larger, Minnesota transportation needs.
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