Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Charles Zelle plans to hit the road to discuss the state’s 20-year plan for transportation spending.
The ECM newspapers note that Zelle has given his pitch to the Metropolitan Council and now plans to speak around the state about MnDOT’s 20-year State Highway Investment Plan, which outlines $30 billion in needed spending but only $18 billion in identified funding.
The story says Zelle isn’t worried about the $12 billion in unfunded needs: “I don’t think the number is scary. I think the number is achievable.”
The MnDOT plan notes that half of state highway pavement is more than 50 years old. More than a third of state highway bridges are more than 50 years old. And while the second 10-year phase concentrates on infrastructure preservation, the number of state roads and bridges in poor condition will double and perhaps triple within 20 years, the plan says.
A public hearing on the MnDOT investment plan is scheduled for July 29, 4-5:30 p.m. in Room G15 at MnDOT Central Office, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul. There will be a video conference hookup with MnDOT offices around the state.
Comments (1)
Mr. Zelle should call
Mr. Zeller who apparently knows how to build roads and bridges without taxes or even money. LOL