In This Issue:
Governor Releases Transportation Bonding Recommendations
Governor Walz released this week a recommendation for $396.8 million in spending on transportation as part of a $673 million Public Safety and Asset Preservation bonding proposal. The proposal includes funding for programs that are supported by Metro Cities.
The Governor’s proposal calls for $112 million to the Local Bridge Replacement program that provides grants to local governments to replace or rehabilitate small and large bridges. The proposal also calls for $100 million for the Local Road Improvement program that provides local governments funds for the construction or reconstruction of local roads. Metro Cities supports funding for these programs.
The Governor is also recommending $110 million for rail grade separations at high priority railroad crossings as well as $6 million to replace aging or outdated railroad crossing gates and signal warning systems around the state.
In addition, Governor Walz’s proposal includes $10 million for the Safe Routes to School Program. This program funds infrastructure projects meant to increase safe and convenient opportunities for children who walk and bicycle to school. Types of projects could include new or enhanced sidewalks and bicycle trails, ADA improvements, traffic diversion and speed reduction, and enhanced crosswalk devices and markings.
The proposal also recommends $26.4 million to the Board of Soil and Water Resources for the Local Roads Wetlands Replacement Program. These funds are used to replace wetlands drained or filled by local government road construction projects with wetlands elsewhere in the state. Metro Cities supports funding this program.
To view the Public Safety and Asset Preservation proposal, click here.
The Governor has also included $55 million for a Busway Capital Improvement Program that will fund design, environmental work, acquisition of right‐of‐way, engineering, and construction along regional busway corridors. This funding was included in the Quality of Life portion of the bonding proposal and can be found here.
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops
The Metropolitan Council will host two workshop meetings (see below) to introduce prospective applicants to the 2020 Regional Solicitation for transportation projects. Approximately $180 million in federal transportation funds are expected to be available for allocation in 2024-2025.
The application period for the Regional Solicitation is expected to be open in February, with all applications required to be submitted no later than April 16, 2020. After projects are scored and ranked, the schedule calls for the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) to select projects for funding late in 2020. To learn more about the Regional Solicitation, click here, or attend the upcoming workshops detailed below.
Workshop Times and Locations
Tuesday, January 28, 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Metropolitan Council, Lower Level A
390 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101
Friday, January 31, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Metro Cities, St. Croix Room
145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103
Application Categories
The majority of the federal funding to be awarded through the Regional Solicitation is for projects in 2024 and 2025. Projects will be selected for the following 11 application categories:
- Traffic Management Technologies (Roadway System Management)
- Spot Mobility and Safety (new category for 2020 Regional Solicitation)
- Strategic Capacity (Roadway Expansion)
- Roadway Reconstruction/Modernization
- Bridge Rehabilitation/Replacement
- Transit Expansion
- Transit Modernization
- Travel Demand Management (2022 and 2023 funds)
- Multiuse Trails and Bicycle Facilities
- Pedestrian Facilities
- Safe Routes to School
Questions about the Regional Solicitation can be directed to TAB Coordinator Elaine Koutsoukos at 651-602-1717 or [email protected].