Minnesota Falling Short on Transportation Funding

"Minnesota's high-pitched debate over transportation funding got a push Tuesday from a new report that says the condition of the state's highways is declining and has been hurt by pressures to build new roads instead of fixing existing ones."

"Legislative Auditor James Nobles released a 105-page critique of the state's transportation system that says that without new money, Minnesota will be able to do little more than maintain current roadways."

"The report came two days before a DFL-sponsored transportation bill is scheduled for votes on the House and Senate floor. The bill would raise $7.8 billion over the next decade through a series of tax and fee increases."

"DFL leaders immediately pounced on the report as evidence that the bill is needed."