TLC: The State of Transportation and the 2016 Legislature

As we approach another legislative session at the State Capitol, transportation advocates remain committed to fighting for a win that improves quality of life and economic opportunity for every Minnesotan. With that in mind, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new statewide campaign: Transportation Forward, a transportation campaign led by Transit for Livable Communities. TLC will be working with its allies, including the Alliance, to build broad support for new investments in all modes of transportation in the Twin cities, suburbs, and Greater Minnesota which includes bus, rail, bicycling, walking, roads, and bridges.

Read more about Transportation Forward >

In addition, advocates have the opportunity to influence two major transportation projects in 2016. One of those projects is the Southwest LRT. This year, in particular, is a critical one for the Met Council as it will need to secure $135 million for the local portion of the Southwest LRT line or risk losing out on $887 million in federal funds backing the project. The other project is one that has been on the books for 125 years, a bicycle and pedestrian loop around St. Paul. Plans call for more than 13 miles of off-road trails along Johnson Parkway, Wheelock Parkway, Como Avenue, Raymond Avenue and Pelham Boulevard, with major construction to take place from 2016 to 2020 or beyond.

Read ‘Two Cities to Pay Extras on Southwest LRT Line’ (Finance & Commerce) >

Read more about Southwest LRT (MinnPost) >

Read more about St. Paul’s bike and pedestrian loop (Pioneer Press) >