St. Paul, MN – As a special session looms in St. Paul, Rep. Wayne Johnson (R–Cottage Grove) is raising serious concerns about a change in the state’s transportation funding agreement that will divert millions of dollars away from metro counties, including more than $7 million from Washington County alone, and redirect it to the Metropolitan Council.
In 2023, metro counties were promised 17% of the newly enacted metro area sales tax to support critical local transportation and infrastructure projects. The updated agreement cuts that share to just 8.5%, sending the remaining portion to the Met Council to fund projects concentrated in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
“As a former Washington County Commissioner, I know how essential this funding is for our local roads, bridges, and infrastructure needs,” said Rep. Johnson. “These dollars were already earmarked for important projects, and now that funding is being redirected without the counties’ input.”
The change means Washington County will lose approximately $7,167,000 over the next two years. Johnson warned the funding cut could force counties to delay or cancel planned improvements and may ultimately result in local tax increases to cover the gap.
Equally troubling is the process. The updated agreement was crafted behind closed doors, without public testimony or an opportunity for county officials to voice their concerns.
“This process shut out the very people who are responsible for delivering transportation projects in their communities,” Johnson continued. “Local officials deserve a chance to make their concerns heard when major funding decisions affecting their communities are being made.”
Johnson is urging legislative leaders to revisit the decision and work to ensure counties receive the funding they were promised and have already begun planning around.
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