1. 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.