~ Pawlenty says federal funding will help state implement innovative traffic technologies ~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that Minnesota has been awarded $133.3 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) program for strategies to reduce traffic congestion in the Twin Cities.

A coalition led by Governor Pawlenty, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Transportation applied for the funding in April 2007. Minnesota is one of the first communities announced today that are participating in a new federal initiative to receive UPA designation and resources.

“Over the past several years we’ve tackled congestion by adding capacity in key corridors and implementing new technologies, like MnPASS on I-394,” Governor Pawlenty said. “We’re pleased that the federal government accepted our application and is providing additional resources to help turn the tide against traffic congestion so people and goods can get around the Twin Cities faster.”

Money from the UPA will be used to tackle congestion on I-35W between downtown Minneapolis and the southern suburbs. Under the agreement, the Minnesota legislature must provide MnDOT with the legislative authority needed to put the plan in place within 90 days of the State Legislature convening in February. Improvements eligible for the UPA funding include:

• Priced dynamic shoulder lanes, similar to the I-394 MnPASS, on I-35W from 46th Street to downtown Minneapolis
• Addition of a High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane in the Crosstown reconstruction project from 66th Street to 46th Street
• Conversion of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane on I-35W from 66th Street to Burnsville Parkway
• Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between downtown Minneapolis and Lakeville built ahead of the current schedule
• Construction of additional park-and-ride lots along the I-35W corridor north and south of Minneapolis
• Construction of additional dedicated bus lanes in downtown Minneapolis
• Partnerships with major employers along the I-35W corridor to promote flex-time and telecommuting programs
• Use of additional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology

In 2005, Minnesota successfully opened its first priced lane, the I-394 MnPASS HOT Lanes, using dynamic pricing and innovative enforcement technology. As a result, the HOT Lanes now carry a third more trips during peak periods, while maintaining free flow speeds for transit and HOV users and cutting the rate of violations to less than 10 percent. The UPA will assist the state in replicating this success on the system’s remaining HOV lane, located on I-35W. MnDOT will be conducting a study of the I-35W HOV lanes and will be working with the communities along the corridor to pursue this concept. “

Traffic congestion is a quality of life issue and this federal funding gives us more tools as we work together to keep our region strong and competitive,” said Senator Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), chair of the Senate Transportation Budget and Policy Division.

“We are pleased that the federal government recognizes the positive impact transit can make in these heavily traveled corridors,” Met Council Chairman Peter Bell said.