ST. PAUL – Small cities could be the beneficiary of new transportation funding according to State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont).
Olson said the Minnesota House is currently drafting a comprehensive transportation finance and policy proposal that will be unveiled in the days ahead.
“Last year, the legislative majority passed numerous tax increases in transportation, but as it reallocated that money it forgot about small cities,” Olson said.
Olson, who is co-authoring legislation for small cities assistance, said he is pleased Greater Minnesota communities are receiving some needed attention. Last session, the legislative majority spent an $18 billion budget surplus, raised taxes by roughly $10 billion, and increased state government spending by 40%.
“This year they’re showing a measure of restraint in the transportation arena,” Olson said. “The bill currently includes no new taxes and fees, and there’s not a lot of spending, but the vast majority that is there would go to small cities’ road and bridge needs.”
Olson said the Minnesota Senate will also propose a transportation funding package in the weeks ahead. Eventually, both legislative bodies will try to craft compromise legislation, and once that happens, Olson is hopeful new small cities funding will be included.