Minnesota lawmakers divided on focus for transportation funds

Photo by: Minnesota House of Representatives
Photo by: Minnesota House of Representatives

(St. Paul, MN) -- Lawmakers in St. Paul are divided over where transportation funds should be focused.

Republican legislators are advocating for shoring up Minnesota's roads and bridges, while Democrats are focused on trains, buses, and other transportation modes that combat climate change. Negotiations are underway to blend different budgetary priorities for the state's transportation system.

Just under five-billion dollars in federal infrastructure funds have been set aside for highways and bridges in the state. The state's auto parts sales tax funds will also go toward transportation projects.