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Conrad deFiebre

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northstar train photo
Community Voices

Transit support: We need both a belt and suspenders

By Conrad deFiebre | 04/12/13

The reaction to Gov. Mark Dayton's bonding proposal this week, which omits state-level funding for the Southwest light rail line, has been mixed.

Roads
Community Voices

An odd way to promote safety on the roads

By Conrad deFiebre | 02/15/13

When it comes to highway safety, Minnesota's policy shortcomings are costly — and this state isn't alone.

Fuel prices
Community Voices

Fuel taxes: the new third rail of public policy

By Conrad deFiebre | 01/02/13

Gov. Dayton's Transportation Finance Advisory Committee has urged increasing the state fuel tax of 28.5 cents a gallon by 40 cents over 20 years.

Planners
Community Voices

Are we there yet? MnDOT takes stock

By Conrad deFiebre | 11/06/12

The vast majority of MnDOT's funding is earmarked for highways; other modes have to fight for undedicated funds.

gas pump
Community Voices

Forgetting about cutting gas consumption?

By Conrad deFiebre | 09/17/12

Discouraging the use of gasoline will require more than developing higher-mileage private motor vehicles. No-gas alternatives to driving are key as well.

Light rail. Photo courtesy metro transit
Community Voices

Getting the most from transit synergies

By Conrad deFiebre | 06/27/12

The Met Council's proactive planning recognizes that mobility in a busy metropolis relies not on individual roads, trails and transitways but on the coordination that links them into an efficient system.

Conrad deFiebre
Community Voices

Rough road ahead for Minnesota drivers

By Conrad deFiebre | 05/10/12

The hidden levy that poor pavement exacts in increased fuel consumption, mangled suspensions and premature wear and tear keeps going up.

SWLRT Route
Community Voices

A real prosperity catalyst: the Southwest LRT project

By Conrad deFiebre | 04/26/12

It's supported by a near-unanimous business lobby, local governments, federal officials and a strong majority of Minnesotans — but not the GOP.

Community Voices

Minnesota has put certain tax cuts on autopilot

By Conrad deFiebre | 01/09/12
On July 1 this year, Minnesota's highway fuel tax will go up a half-penny to 28.5 cents a gallon, the last of seven phased increases that began in 2008. Absent legislative action, it won't go up again — ever.
Community Voices

A small step forward for intercity rail

By Conrad deFiebre | 12/05/11
These are discouraging times for advocates of improving America's decrepit intercity passenger train service. While dedicated taxes, government subsidies and private investment keep flowing to auto and air travel, modest efforts to rebuild the U.S.