Moving Minnesota’s Transportation System Forward

We need to rethink the way we approach transportation. Right now when we think of transportation, we think of the needs of yesterday and build upon the way things already are. It’s not merely a coincidence that our economy and the infrastructure that has supported it are both crumbling. Our approach to transportation has to be to think about a new system that fits a renewed economy.

We need to look forward. We need to envision the future we want and use our transportation infrastructure to help get us there. For example, we need to build rail not just where there are people today, but also where we want people tomorrow.

Minnesota is facing significant economic challenges. It is imperative that we build a transportation system – designed for maximum efficiency. Given projected increases in energy costs coupled with the challenges of keeping the environment around us clean and safe, we must view roads as part of the solution but not the only solution. We have made some progress in the last few years with both light and heavy rail, but one line here and one line there does not provide a real option people can choose over getting in their cars. We need to do more.

As governor I will develop two comprehensive, 20-year transportation plans – one for the metro and one for the state as a whole. These will be designed to complement and accelerate a transition into a new clean energy economy, and take advantage of our abundant renewable energy resources and manufacturing centers. The metro plan will include bus rapid transit, pedestrian thoroughfares, more paths for biking and light rail. I will also make the Metropolitan Council an elected body rather than an appointed one. The state plan will call for strategic investment in heavy rail and highways, with the objective of better connecting raw materials, manufacturing centers and markets.

As a legislator I consistently supported smart transportation choices like the North Star Commuter line. I advocated for appropriate funding to meet our transportation shortfalls, and fought for light rail projects that would reduce congestion and lower energy costs.

Right now Minnesota is falling behind other states in its commitment to infrastructure that works for both people and business. Together, our capital spending on roads and transit puts Minnesota 48^th per capita in the nation. Our vision for future economic development and quality of life should dictate our transportation, not visa versa.

We also need to end regional conflict when it comes to funding. It is not good for anyone if parts of our state do not take part in our transportation solutions. Roads and rail in one region move the goods and supplies from another, and neither is effective without the other. As one sector of the economy ripples through the supply chain and boosts others, our transportation system is the network that will hold it all together and facilitate the movement of material and capital.

Ultimately, the most important ingredient is neither asphalt nor concrete, but planning. Our economic prosperity depends upon a well thought-out, comprehensive state strategy based on the needs of our economy and what infrastructure plans best fit those needs.