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, MINN ES OT _. <br />I theproduct: Where <br />I <br /> <br />.transport_ <br /> tortav <br /> <br />EDITOR'S NOTE: Nothing is more important to our state's economy than its manu- <br />/acturing base. One-~th of all employment is in the manufacturing sector. A sound <br />infrastructure is imperative to allow businesses to move products and services to mar- <br />kets. l~'hile other states are allowing transportation systems to deteriorate, Minnesota <br />has continued to make major investments in maintaining and upgrading these systems. <br />This month 'S Minnesota Magazine a. ddresses today's state transportation system as it <br />relates to today's state economy. Is our commercial transportation system keeping in <br />stride with the economy's growing needs ? <br /> <br /> The recent emphasis on business <br />growth and expansion has placed de- <br />mands on Minnesota's transportation <br />system, creating an immediate need for <br />stronger ties between transportation <br />planning and economic development. <br /> Backlogged highway needs and in- <br />creased costs have hindered highway <br />improvements to accommodate new <br />business development. <br /> This situation has been the catalyst <br />for public/private partnerships to fi- <br />nance improvements, and for aggressive <br />programs at the Minnesota Department <br />of Transportation to unite economic de- <br />velopment and transportation. <br /> Thirty-nine percent of Minnesota's <br />highways are considered to be in fair or <br />poor condition and many bridges are de- <br />ficient. Current levels of state funding <br />are not sufficient to provide for new con- <br />struction or ongoing maintenance. <br /> The private sector has always partici- <br />pated in financing local capital improve- <br />ments. But private funds are now often <br />used for highway improvements needed <br />to support economic development ex- <br />pansion. A number of recent highway <br />projects have been partially funded <br />through assessments and tax increment <br />financing, in which the city sells bonds <br /> <br />TR ANSPOR TATION <br /> Turn to P. 8 <br /> <br /> <br />