Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

1. We must take a long-term view of our transportation infrastructure. This means we need to develop a comprehensive long range plan that will allow more efficient use of the State's bonding power to finance needed improvements such as the I-94 corridor between St. Michael and St. Cloud.

2. John Pederson's bill to capture the motor vehicle lease tax, sales tax on auto parts, and rental car tax revenues and redirect them to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund (HTUDF) for a total of an extra $261 is a viable alternative to raising the gas tax. The gas tax is a dying tax. As vehicle become more efficient, less gas is used. Changing the tax to a percentage will create massive fluctuations due to the fluctuation in gas prices. The existing sales tax will be a stable if not increasing source of revenue and provides a more efficient way to fund infrastructure maintenance and improvement without creating the burden of new or additional taxes.

3. The NorthStar rail line needs to be brought to St. Cloud if it can be done in a fiscally responsible manner. This will ease the burden on our roads and reduce congestion in the metropolitan areas. Public transportation is a legitimate cost of government, however, transportation dollars must be spent efficiently and effectively. It appears the trackage now exists and we have the rolling stock. The extension may require more cars and operators but that can be a win/win since it would create more job opportunities. I pledge to thoroughly investigate the benefits to the St Cloud area and weigh them against the actual costs involved both at inception and as part of the ongoing operation of the service.

4.The St. Cloud Regional Airport is a valuable asset to the community. I will support efforts to bring regular, reliable commercial air service to St. Cloud.

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