Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Woodbury Transportation Improvement Bill Passes Committee
Testifying before the House Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee on Monday with Woodbury City Engineer John Bradford.
On Monday, the Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee passed House File 135, bipartisan legislation I am authoring that will fund a safety improvement and congestion relief study of the I-94/494/694 highway interchange in Woodbury.
Funding this study is critical to ensure that improvements to this busy highway interchange are done correctly and sustainably. With a growing population in our part of the metro, we want to make sure this improvement project is done right to ease traffic congestion and allow for the easy flow of interstate commerce.
The bill has support from local governments including Washington County and the cities of Woodbury and Oakdale. It was also great to have Woodbury City Engineer John Bradford come to Saint Paul and testify before the committee in favor of the bill.
This is an important priority for our community, and I am pleased this legislation is moving forward this session. The bill’s next stop is the Transportation Finance Committee.
MSFA Audit
This week, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor released their report about the use of suites at the new Viking’s stadium by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. They concluded the commissioners and executive director violated core ethical principles in giving free tickets to family and friends. They also did not find facts or logic to support MSFA’s claim that it needs access to two suites rather than one in the stadium. Finally, the report concluded that MSFA failed to comply with state law by not maintaining records of who received tickets to the stadium suites.
Reform legislation championed by House Republicans is advancing this session that will increase MSFA’s accountability to the legislature, as well as transparency to the public. We must ensure that government agencies and officials are held accountable to taxpayers and the Minnesota citizens they serve.
***
As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook to learn more about what’s happening at the Capitol.