MnDOT asks Minnesotans for input to 50-year transportation system vision

Talk about it

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans will help determine the state’s transportation system vision for the next 50 years when the Minnesota Department of Transportation hosts a series of workshops across the state.

“Our current financial challenges and aging infrastructure make establishing a vision even more important,” said Tom Sorel, Mn/DOT commissioner. “The Minnesota GO workshops are Minnesotans’ opportunity to communicate their expectations for transportation today and for the next generation.”

The process will help the agency ensure future transportation planning efforts better align with Minnesotans’ expectations.

All workshops are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.at the following locations and dates:

St. Cloud - May 16

St. Cloud State University, Voyageurs Room

Atwood Conference Center

651 S. First Ave.

Fergus Falls - May 17

Bigwood Event Center

925 Western Ave.

Bemidji - May 18

Bemidji State University, Crying Wolf Room Hobson Memorial Union

1500 Birchmont Ave. NE

Duluth - May 19

The Duluth Depot

St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center

506 W. Michigan St.

St. Paul* - May 23

Como Park, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Drive

Mankato - May 26

Verizon Wireless Civic Center

1 Civic Center Plaza

Willmar - June 7

Ridgewater College, Large Outreach Room

2101 15th Ave. NW

Rochester - June 8

Rochester Community and Technical College

Heinz Commons Room

1926 College View Road SE

* An online participation option is available May 23 for those unable to attend a workshop in their area. Details at www.minnesotago.org .

Participants from all backgrounds will think broadly while sharing ideas and thoughts during a series of small group discussions about the future of transportation. No advanced reservation is necessary and organizers ask participants to stay for the entire workshop.

A 31-member steering committee will review feedback from the workshops, online discussions and related research. This will serve as the foundation for the recommended 50-year transportation vision statement and set of objectives. A public hearing on the proposed vision will follow in July.

Mn/DOT and other transportation organizations will then use the vision and information to develop and update short-term and long-term multi-modal transportation plans.

Mn/DOT’s transportation system responsibilities include:

· Planning, building and maintaining state roads, bridges and trails for vehicle operators, bicyclists and pedestrians.

· Planning and funding regional airports, railroads, public transit and ports owned and operated by local governments and private companies.

· Providing technical and financial assistance for local roads.

Minnesotans interested in getting involved can check out www.minnesotago.org . The website is hosted by the Citizen’s League and will be updated regularly with new content, discussion questions, surveys and videotaped interviews on a range of topics. High school students may also share their thoughts on the future of transportation at www.studentsspeakout.org .

To request translation services or other accommodations, contact Janet Miller at janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us, 651-366-4720 (Twin Cities metro area) or 1-800-657-3774 (greater Minnesota) at least three business days in advance.

These workshops are not the correct venue to advocate for a specific construction project.

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