ST. PAUL— Today the House passed the omnibus transportation bill. The bill shifts money away from education and other priorities and uses billions in new borrowing to pay for roads and bridges. The state has identified over $243 million in priority grade separated crossings and over $85 million at-grade separated crossings that need to be upgraded to address the growing public safety concern of oil train safety, but the bill only provides $5 million for these improvements. Rep. Ben Lien (DFL—Moorhead) released the following statement:
"I do not agree with the need to create a new funding source dedicated to transportation as this bill does. We already have a dedicated funding source for roads and bridges that strongly benefits Greater Minnesota.
"I am also disappointed that this bill does not do enough for rail infrastructure and safety. With so much need around the state for increased rail infrastructure and safety, the time is now to take real action on this issue for all Minnesotans."
Rep. Lien voted against the bill.
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