The Office of the Legislative Auditor issued a report Tuesday indicating that funding has declined in the past five years while the condition of roads has worsened.
"In recent years, Minnesota has used debt financing for highway expansion projects but has not invested adequately to maintain many existing highways," the report notes.
Other findings include:
• When adjusted for inflation, tax revenues directed to the State Trunk Highway Fund have decreased since 2003, and MnDOT staffing has declined as well.
• Although the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has a "preservation first" policy, over half of trunk highway construction spending since 2002 has gone toward system expansion, leaving important preservation needs unmet.
• MnDOT has consistently scheduled more state trunk highway projects than it could deliver given available funding.
• According to MnDOT districts, Minnesota does not have a shortage of certified bridge inspectors, but it needs additional resources to conduct specialized inspections of fracture critical bridges.
• MnDOT districts reported performing the high-priority work recommended by bridge inspectors, but said they are falling behind on routine maintenance.
• MnDOT does not adequately document how it follows up on bridge inspectors' maintenance recommendations.
The auditor urged MnDOT to present recommendations to the Legislature to improve both funding and management of its highway and bridge projects.
Legislative leaders said the report bolsters the case for greater investment in transportation.
"The report issued by the Office of the Legislative Auditor demonstrates what many have been saying for years—that this administration has over-promised and under-delivered on transportation," said State Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
"Clearly, the time is now to work in a bipartisan manner to pass an investment in transportation that provides MnDOT with the resources it needs to keep our roads and bridges safe," said State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud. "Both bodies of the Legislature plan to pass such a package later this week."
Unions are urging members to contact lawmakers to support legislation sponsored by Murphy and state Rep. Bernie Lieder. (SF2521 and HF2800).
"Every legislative district will benefit from passage of a comprehensive transportation funding bill," the unions said in an e-mail alert to members. "Please consider your constituents and the needs of your district over party politics. The time to act is now."
For more information
Read the full Legislative Auditor's report at www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/ped/2008/trunkhwy.htm.
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