Word on the Streets

Study Shows Promise of Highway-to-Boulevard Conversions Despite Legislative Setback

A recently published University of Minnesota Duluth study provides a glimpse of the numerous benefits of urban highway removal. The report estimated that rightsizing just one mile of I-35 in Duluth would cost $50 million but could lead to up to $4.5 billion in economic benefits, including 450 construction jobs, $29 million in labor income, nearly $39 million to the area’s GDP, and $74 million in new spending. A similar feasibility study for I-94 would help the public and decision-makers better understand the potential benefits of an I-94 boulevard conversion.

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Alex Burns   posted by
March 30, 2023

Minnesota’s Democratic Trifecta Isn’t Translating to Progressive Transportation Policy

Transportation Committee Chairs are Blocking a Twin Cities Highway-to-Boulevard Conversion Study

Minnesota State Representative Frank Hornstein and State Senator Scott Dibble may claim to be champions for progressive transportation legislation, but when it comes to the future of I-94, they are blocking progress on a generational opportunity to repair the harms of past racist transportation planning decisions. The two DFL Transportation Committee Chairs are barring a committee hearing for H.F. 2270 and S.F. 2180, bills to fund a feasibility study of a highway-to-boulevard conversion of I-94 between downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This inaction comes despite immense community support and Sen. Dibble's own bill co-authorship.

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Alex Burns   posted by
March 21, 2023

MnDOT is Trying to Block Twin Cities Boulevard Feasibility Study Bill with an Inaccurate Bill Analysis

MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger and staff are openly opposing a highway-to-boulevard feasibility study (SF 2180 and HF 2270) through an inaccurate and inflated fiscal note.

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Alex Burns   posted by
March 20, 2023

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