SAINT PAUL – Representative Frank Hornstein, (DFL- Minneapolis), chairman of the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee released the following statement on the passage of the House and Senate bonding bills during special session:
"I am pleased that the bonding bill includes key provisions promoting transit in the Metro and Greater Minnesota, electric vehicle support, as well as the Safe Routes to School program which provides $3 million in funding for student bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
"The centerpiece of the transit provisions include $55 million to the Metropolitan Council to build two arterial bus rapid transit lines; the D Line which connects Brooklyn Center to the Mall of America, and the B Line which connects Uptown Minneapolis to Downtown St. Paul.”
On the House Floor last night, Rep. Hornstein added, “This jobs and economic security bill funds roads, bridges, public transportation and the Safe Routes to School program with projects all over the state. I especially appreciate that the B and D Bus Rapid transit lines are included in this bill. These were key equity projects when they were first proposed and are needed now more than ever to assist in the urgent revitalization of Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding communities. We have much more work to do to build and maintain our transportation infrastructure, including more investment in intercity passenger rail, but this bill will put people back to work, and create a safer, more efficient, more equitable transportation system.”
The breakdown in funding for transit, bike, pedestrian and electric vehicle allocations is:
- B and D lines $55 million
- Greater Minnesota Transit $2 million
- Electric Vehicle Support $2 million
- Safe Routes to School $3 million
- Rogers Bike/Pedestrian Project $2.2 million
- Shakopee Bike/Pedestrian Project $2 million
- Hastings Bike/Pedestrian Project $1.5 million
A full list of projects included in the bill can be accessed here and the legislation itself can be accessed here.
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