Title
Requesting that the Minnesota Legislature pass a comprehensive road and transit funding package.
Body
WHEREAS, all Minnesota communities benefit from a sound, efficient, and adequately funded transportation system that offers diverse modes of travel; and
WHEREAS, the integrity of Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure is dependent upon long-term planning and ongoing maintenance, both of which require dedicated and sustainable revenue sources; and
WHEREAS, as the seat of state government and the second largest city in Minnesota, the City of Saint Paul is committed to developing a modern, comprehensive transportation system that allows residents, workers, and visitors to easily and efficiently travel within the city using a full array of modes including motorized and non-motorized vehicles as well as mass transit and pedestrian options; and
WHEREAS, current funding for roads, bridges, and transit systems across all government levels in Minnesota is inadequate, and this under-investment diminishes quality of life for Minnesota residents and hinders Minnesota’s progress as a national business, economic, and civic leader; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota’s transportation system is failing to meet the capacity needs necessary to sustain population growth and promote economic development in the City of Saint Paul and cities across the state; and
WHEREAS, insufficient state funding has delayed regionally significant road construction and reconstruction projects across Minnesota; including the Kellogg Avenue-Third Street Bridge in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, limited increases in funding for Minnesota State Aid roads have contributed to increased reliance on the local property tax levy to maintain the city’s street system; and
WHEREAS, for every one dollar spent on maintenance, a road authority-and therefore taxpayers-save seven dollars in repairs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul maintains over 1,800 lane miles of roadway within the city, and
WHEREAS, ...
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