ST. PAUL – Rep. Bob Vogel, R-Elko New Market, is urging support for a long-term transportation plan that would invest $7 billion in state roads and bridges over the next 10 years without an increase in the gas tax.
In total, the plan would repair or replace more than 15,500 lane miles of road and 330 bridges statewide.
"There is no question people want to improve our roads and bridges," Vogel said. "Our proposal is reflective of that, making roads and bridges priorities and providing stable, long-term funding without tax increases."
Over the next 10 years, the Republican proposal invests:
$4 billion for state roads
$1.4 billion for county roads
$583 million for municipal roads
$282 million for small cities under 5,000
$139 million for Greater Minnesota bus services
$60 million for township roads and bridges
The proposal creates a special fund called the Transportation Stability Fund that collects existing proceeds from dedicated tax revenues and deposits them into accounts for each of their dedicated purpose. There are five accounts that would dedicate a combined $3.1 billion over 10 years.
In addition to the dedicated funds provided by the Transportation Stability Fund, the package uses $1.3 billion in Trunk Highway bonds, $1.2 billion from realigning Minnesota Department of Transportation resources, $1.1 billion in General Obligation bonds, and $228 million in General Funds.
Expanding funding for the Small Cities Program is one of the major components of the House plan. The program, which House Republicans led to passage in 2015, resulted in more than $143,000 in small-cities funding for District 20A. That includes LeSueur ($50,517), Elko New Market ($49,270), LeCenter ($30,864) and Cleveland ($12,662). With populations of greater than 5,000, district cities New Prague and Belle Plaine receive separate funding.
Under the House plan, district cities would receive ongoing small-cities funding, including LeSueur ($111,137), Elko New Market ($108,394), LeCenter ($67,901) and Cleveland ($27,856) every two years.
"This direct line of funding allows local people to decide how it can best be put to use, helping to maximize the effectiveness of tax dollars," Vogel said. "It is an effective tool for helping address specific local issues."
Legislators are also working to pass a tax bill this upcoming session and Vogel said he will continue to advocate for significant tax relief in the event of a large budget surplus. This includes a House Republican proposal that would cease the state's practice of taxing seniors' Social Security income benefits.
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