Agenda - Council - 11/25/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I i I I ;I I I I I I I I I I I I Great River Road Participants October 29, 1981 Page two for construction. This leaves most of project obligation to come from State Aid. State Aid received 15% of Mn/DOT's total budget. This funding situation is further complicated by the fact that the federal government has imposed a ceiling on the first quarter spending, thus lessening the federal funds that can be spent between now and January 1, 1982. In light of the above information, it is obvious that the Great River Road funding capabilities this year are much more restrictive than in past years. However, there are 14 million dollars available in the funds deferred from last year, with an additional 4 million dollars made available this year. This totals 18 million dollars that are available to Minnesota for Great River Road development, but which now are restricted to only those projects that will not exceed the federal ceiling imposed on the department. It should be noted that of the 18 million dollars, 7.9 million must be obligated this year before October 1, 1982, or those federal funds will lapse and will not return to the State. In spite of the obstacles, Great River Road will be able to fund 2.5 to 3 million dollars' worth of projects this fiscal quarter. Beyond this quarter, it is difficult to assess what Great River Road funds will be available for future obligation. It was the recommendation of the Commissioner of Transportation that once the transportation bill was approved, (if it includes Great River Road funds), a reassessment of Mn/DOT projects would be undertaken in order to evaluate their new priorities with Great River Road funding included. An update of Great River Road funding as it relates to the transportation bill will be released as soon as further information is received. Sincerely, R..J. McDonald Deputy Commissioner