A press release from the office of State Rep. Loren Solberg, DFL-Grand Rapids:

After serious deliberation and consideration of the financial needs of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the members of the transportation contingent appropriation group approved an additional $60 million on Tuesday to be used for state road construction projects.

State Rep. Loren Solberg, DFL-Grand Rapids, who served on the appropriation group, said Tim Henkel, MnDOT division manager, told the group that this amount would be sufficient to keep all projects on-schedule and moving forward until the state legislature convenes next February.

"According to MnDOT's own cash flow analysis, this appropriation means there is no legitimate reason for MnDOT to delay scheduled road construction projects, including the Wakota Bridge project," said Solberg.

"I believe the funding issues at MnDOT should have been addressed in a special session, in the same way we provided disaster relief for the flooded counties in southern Minnesota.

However, because the governor failed to call a special session, this appropriation group has provided adequate funding to avoid any project delays until the entire State legislature can pass a comprehensive transportation bill next session."

The governor requested additional funding to rebuild the Interstate 35W bridge, indicating it was needed until federal money is appropriated. However, according to Solberg, since MnDOT signed the contract for the new bridge last week, it became apparent that this additional money was not needed to replace the bridge. Instead, because MnDOT's cash flow is dangerously low, other projects across the state are in danger of being delayed, or even canceled.

"Minnesotans have serious concerns about how the department of transportation is being managed," said Solberg. "Every one of us pay into this department - we have the right to know how our money is being spent."

MnDOT will continue to provide lawmakers with updates on its projected cash flow at monthly public meetings. They have indicated there may be need for additional funds before February, and Solberg said the committee will consider more spending if it is needed to keep projects on track.

"We are asking officials at MnDOT to be open and honest about their financial situation and what any additional funds are needed for," said Solberg. "We want to make sure no projects are delayed, but we are also asking for accountability and transparency from this critical state agency."