2016 State of Minnesota Legislative Priorities 2015 marked the opening of the first phase of lane capacity expansion on I-94 between Rogers and St. Michael as well as the design options for mobility of phase two, St. Michael to Albertville. These projects are a result of hard work and commitment from area leaders, legislators, and state officials. The Corridors of Commerce program was a key contributor to realizing this success and it is anticipated that future improvements along I-94 will require similar dedication, commitment and involvement with the Corridors of Commerce program. Comprehensive Transportation Funding Bill

• Support passage of a 10-year, comprehensive funding package that delivers projects efficiently, cost effectively, transparently and renews Corridors of Commerce. This includes an efficient freight system that enhances Minnesota’s economic competitiveness in national and international markets. The state should use General Fund revenues generated from the statewide sales tax on auto parts and rental cars to fund increased investment in our transportation system. If necessary to address concerns about predictability of General Fund investments in transportation, the state should consider asking Minnesotans to constitutionally dedicate these revenues for transportation purposes.

Future Funding for Corridors of Commerce • The Corridors of Commerce program utilized a more comprehensive approach to transportation

funding than is often promoted. Securing funding for the future of the Corridors of Commerce program is imperative for Interregional Corridors such as expanding capacity to six lanes from Rogers to St. Cloud and eight lanes from the Fish Lake Interchange to Rogers. The Coalition supports a minimum funding level of $300 million, similar to the level when the program was created.

Phase II Expansion of I-94

• I-94 is a vital artery for moving and supporting Minnesota’s economy. Since the inception of the Corridors of Commerce program I-94 has received critical funding to expand overall capacity improving economic development with of over 2.5 million square feet of industrial development in the region since the announcement of Phase I. Phase II, from St. Michael to Albertville, is a critical next step in the continued improvement of this vital corridor. This phase has received $1.4 million in Corridors of Commerce funding for initial design and engineering. The Coalition will work with MnDOT District 3 to continue expansion and improvements efforts west along the I-94 Corridor by seeking additional funding the completion of this project.

Brockton Interchange

• The Coalition will work with local leaders to help facilitate the Brockton Interchange project. The Brockton Interchange represents an access and exit point along a six mile stretch of I-94 that is beneficial to the surrounding communities, but that also would provide relief to I-94 in the form of auxiliary lanes.

The I-94 West Corridor Coalition expects that all decisions relating to transportation funding will be based on factual analyses in a fair and transparent manner with an emphasis on reducing congestion caused by freight and commuter traffic on I-94. Any project should be valued based on ROI and merit.