Saint Paul, MN — In response to a $17.6 billion-dollar surplus forecasted in the state budget, Minnesota’s infrastructure union, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota released the following statement:
“Now is the time for our state leaders to make substantial structural investments in transportation and water infrastructure,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager. “We must fix our aging infrastructure as it is an increasing threat to the health and safety of our people and the prosperity of our state. Making these necessary infrastructure investments will also create construction careers for a generation of Laborers.”
Minnesota's crumbling infrastructure threatens our safety. In a recent report, the American Society of Civil Engineers graded our roads a 'D+', bridges a 'C', and transit a 'C-'. Our existing state and county highways, city streets, town roads and bridges need no less than $18 billion in funding over the next 20 years just to maintain their current systems. Similarly, there is a significant need for water infrastructure across Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) estimate $12.3 billion in future wastewater and drinking water infrastructure investment needs. MDH estimates $500 million is needed to replace 100,000 lead service lines by 2032.