Minn. headed for stand-pat year on transportation

Published 10:40 am Wednesday, April 10, 2013

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The head of a transportation finance committee in the Minnesota Legislature doesn’t expect to see a major infusion of money for roads, bridges and mass transit to come together this year.

Sen. Scott Dibble says he’s looking at a status quo year for transportation funding after entering the legislative session with high hopes. Dibble says transportation advocates should regroup and make a hard push next year.

A transportation package being heard Wednesday in Dibble’s Senate Transportation and Public Safety Division won’t include a higher metropolitan area sales tax that was to pay for substantial new transit options. Nor is there a gas tax increase to fund road and bridge projects.

Dibble says he’s resorting to a barebones bill after Gov. Mark Dayton declared firm opposition to a gas tax hike.