The Legislature is back in session today after a week-long recess, and Corridors of Commerce announcements are just around the corner, so we want to pass along some quick updates.
Corridors of Commerce Resolutions Due April 16th
If your local government or chamber of commerce has been asked to adopt a resolution or submit a letter of support for Highway 14 expansion, those resolutions are due to MnDOT on Monday, April 16. If you have already forwarded me a copy of your resolution, I have submitted it to MnDOT.
If you have questions or have not yet submitted your resolution to us or to MnDOT, please contact Highway 14 Partnership lobbyist Shane Zahrt at SAZahrt@flaherty-hood.com or (651) 259-1906.
MnDOT has indicated that the resolutions will be the final element they plug into the Corridors of Commerce scoring system before they finalize and announce project awards. While no specific date has yet been publicized, awards may come as soon as next week.
Stay Tuned for Transportation Developments
Like the spring weather, the transportation funding conversation has been somewhat slow to heat up this session. As we enter the final six weeks of the 2018 session, we expect the legislature’s attention will begin to turn to taxes and bonding. Transportation funding—including the possibility of additional funding for Corridors of Commerce—will be a part of what is considered for this year’s bonding bill. Moreover, we will soon get more information as to whether the Legislature plans to pass a supplemental budget and to what extent that budget will include additional opportunities for transportation funding. A proposed constitutional amendment to permanently dedicate certain general fund revenues to transportation will continue to be considered. The bill had a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee in late March, but no House companion bill has yet been introduced. As drafted, the amendment would not directly benefit Corridors of Commerce or Highway 14.
We will continue monitor these developments and advocate for Highway 14 at every turn. Expect more frequent updates as the session proceeds.
Tragic News on Highway 14
We want our members to be aware that on Wednesday, April 4, a New Ulm resident was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 14 just east of Courtland. Additional information about this tragic accident can be found here: http://www.keyc.com/story/37880729/new-ulm-man-killed-in-highway-14-crash
Thank you
As always, thank you for your passion and dedication to fixing Highway 14.