Audit Fuels Transportation Debate

Light & Medium Truck, Apr 2008

Just ahead of showdown votes on transportation spending, an independent audit describes a Minnesota road system that has deteriorated as available dollars flowed toward adding new lanes rather than fixing the 11,900 highway miles already there.

The Legislative Auditor's report also documents the Minnesota Department of Transportation's need for more money to conduct specialized inspections of critical bridges, better documentation of bridge repairs and attention to routine maintenance.

"There are a few bright spots, but the overall picture is not good," Auditor James Nobles said, summing up the situation as "downright grim."

His report said it would take $672 million per year alone to meet stated preservation goals for roads and bridges, far more than the $350 million now devoted to those purposes.

"The Minnesota Department of Transportation will not be able to meet its core goal without more funding," he said.

Democrats are trying to cobble together enough votes to pass a 10-year, $7.8 billion transportation spending plan over the objections of Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), who opposes tax increases in the bill. It would raise the gas tax by a nickel this year and a few cents more later besides boosting registration fees for new vehicles and increasing the sales tax in metropolitan counties. -Associated Press