Democrats to unveil transit funding plan

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, February 11, 2014

ST. PAUL — Democratic leaders from the Legislature’s transportation committees said Monday that they will unveil a proposal next week for funding improvements to roads, bridges and transit across Minnesota.

Sen. Scott Dibble and Rep. Frank Hornstein, both from Minneapolis, announced their intentions following an informational hearing on current transportation needs. The lawmakers, who chair the transportation committees in the Senate and House, will release details of their plan at a joint hearing on Feb. 18, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

While a gas tax increase or other revenue-raising measures will be tough to sell in an election year session, Hornstein said the problems can’t wait.

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“Transportation challenges and projects don’t go away, they just get more expensive,” Hornstein said. “So by procrastinating, we’re actually throwing money down the drain. That’s why these projects need to get done.”

Dibble wouldn’t talk about specifics, but he said he believes a “robust, comprehensive, multi-modal transportation funding package” is needed this year.