By HARLAN MADSEN
As a crop and dairy farmer, I could skimp on fertilizing my crops for a couple of years to cut costs; however, my yields will be reduced over time. Most notably, the nutritional value of my crops will be lowered for our dairy herd resulting in substantially reduced production and growth. In either case, the results would be disastrous and put my farm and my family’s economic security at risk. Yet this is the same mentality the legislature and some in the business community abide by when it comes to funding transportation. They are putting our state’s economic security at risk.
Despite the deteriorating conditions of our roads and bridges, some legislators and members of the business community have tried to confuse the public and dissuade the legislature from acting this year by cherry-picking facts and sharing half-truths.
One of the most troubling half-truths is the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s claim that Minnesota does not have an accurate assessment of the cost of fixing our transportation system. We could fill half the potholes in the state with the number of studies, assessments and task force findings on fixing transportation.
More importantly, Minnesota had a comprehensive assessment completed nearly three years ago. I should know - I served on the task force that conducted it. Consisting of Republican and Democratic legislators, local government officials and leaders in the business community, the task force spent more than six months talking with experts in public meetings to better understand our transportation problems.
The task force concluded that without new, sustainable and dedicated funding, our roads and bridges will continue to crumble at an alarming rate; our statewide transit systems will be unable to meet growing demands; and our economy will ultimately suffer from our inability to efficiently move goods, services and people to their next destination.
One-time statutory allocated funds do not provide consistent resources that ensure the ability of the private sector and local units of government to properly plan for the future. We must plan our transportation system so that we provide a safe, efficient system that supports sustainable economic development growth in our state.
Minnesotans deserve to know the facts about transportation and here is what you need to know:
Half of our roads are at least 50 years old, long surpassing their lifespan. Our roads are increasingly filled with potholes and craters. Most Minnesota roads were built to last only 30 years before requiring a rebuild. Because of decades of delays and inconsistent funding, the poor quality of our roads has caught up to us. Without immediate action, additional roads will have new weight restrictions and even more detours.
Local roads account for 38 percent of transportation funding. For every dollar dedicated to Minnesota’s highway trust fund, 38 cents is directed to the statewide network of county, city and township roads. That means every new dollar we invest in transportation repairs our local roads too.
Semi-truck freight traffic is going to multiply on our highways in the next 10 years. For every three semi-trucks you see on the highway, add more one truck. Over the next 10 years, freight being moved on Minnesota’s roads is projected to increase by 30 percent. That means more traffic, more wear and tear on our roads.
More than 300 Minnesotans lose their lives on our roads every year. Whether you drive, bike or walk, Minnesota’s roadways still remain a dangerous place. Unfortunately some of the most simply fixes like median barriers and rumble strips are left unfunded.
Every year we delay action on funding transportation the cost of repairs climb. Less than three years has passed since the last assessment, and the legislature has done nothing to fix our roads and bridges. Just like deferring maintenance on our cars, farm equipment and homes, the cost of repairs become more expensive and difficult when we actually make them. If we delay another year, the costs of repair will continue to climb.
Transportation is more than just a road or bridge. It is the arteries of our economy pumping the lifeblood of commerce into communities around the state. It is time to end the roadblocks and delays, and pass a 10-year plan with sustainable and dedicated funding to fix transportation.
(Madsen is a Kandiyohi County Commissioner.)
