New Ulm Journal

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle addressed the Council regarding the recent transportation proposal from Gov. Mark Dayton.

The governor’s proposal calls for a comprehensive funding package over the next 10 years to maintain and modernize the state’s transportation system.

“Of the $6 billion over 10 years for the State Highway system, $4 billion is dedicated to maintaining and improving the system,” said Zelle, adding that $1.6 billion of the remaining $2 billion is part of the Corridors of Commerce.

“There seems to be no higher poster example than a regional corridor than Highway 14 from New Ulm to Rochester,” Zelle said.

Zelle said that if a significant bill could be advanced at the Capitol, the Highway 14 system could be completed.

“This is not a political exercise. This is very non-partisan, very practical, and very measurable. Some of our best voices and those that understand it best are those closest to local government and local businesses,” Zelle said.

Zelle is hoping for action this year. “There is a spotlight on it like there hasn’t been for sometime. There is a bunch of us on a mission and we are standing together,” he said.