Complete streets proposal passes

Imagine streets that take into account the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and even people with special needs. Rep. Mike Obermueller (DFL-Eagan) sponsors HF2801 that would put the “Complete Streets” concept into first gear. However, some members are concerned the idea may evolve into a state mandate on local governments.

The bill, passed 92-37 by the House April 21, would move the state toward a policy that would, during the design phase of any state-aid funded road project, take into consideration the impact the roadway would have on the people who use it, and the impact on the areas that it passes through.

“This is good policy, and it means that local governments will have greater say” in the design of their roads, Obermueller said. “There is a real problem where state government gets in the way of local decisions.”

The bill calls for the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a policy of a system that takes into consideration all modes of transportation.

“There are a lot of different people who interact with our roads. Certainly there’s cars … we have transit issues, and we have a lot of people who interact with our roads in terms of riding a bike, trying to cross a road if you are senior, or a kid,” Obermueller said. He stressed that this would not be a mandate for local governments, but it would be for MnDOT.

However, several Republicans disagreed.

“We need to be honest about the funding for this program,” said Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud). “It’s voluntary now, it’s maybe mandatory later. The only place the money is coming from is the motor vehicle taxes. There is no way to fund the added infrastructure that may be required through the bill. Local communities can decide for themselves how to make their communities more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.”

The bill now moves to the Senate where Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) is its sponsor.