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<br />. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />> The safety of the traveling public could be compromised <br />by the lack of available funds for highway projects. <br />Mn/DOT is in a "patch and repair mode" due to funding <br />cuts. While the projected highway funding needs into <br />1998 are $400 to $500 million per year, only $335 <br />million per year is expected to be available. <br /> <br />Recommendations <br /> <br />> Since cities and counties in the former Region 7W have <br />not been represented in planning for transportation or <br />in other areas inVOlving governmental funding, a <br />regional planning and economic development agency <br />be created at the earliest possible opportunity. <br />action should be taken not only to take advantage <br />planning and funding opportunities, but also to <br />demonstrate a willingness to plan and coordinate on a <br />regional basis. <br /> <br />should <br />This <br />of <br /> <br />> In the interim, representatives from the former Region 7W <br />should be involved immediately in transportation planning <br />for MnDOT Region 3. The representation should be <br />intermodal, involving not just highway engineers, and <br />should be selected by the County Commissioners and City <br />Councilmembers in Region 3. MnDOT Region 3 officials have <br />indicated that such representation would be welcome. <br /> <br />> Government and civic leaders in this area should analyze <br />the ISTEA bill and take advantage of funding and grants. <br />City councils and county boards should take the initiative <br />in seeking grants as well as input into the planning <br />process. <br /> <br />> Cities and counties should utilize the expertise of Mn/DOT <br />planners in designing and updating their comprehensive <br />plans so that transportation and traffic movement issues <br />are given adequate attention throughout the process. <br /> <br />> The concept of intermodal planning and thinking that <br />permeates the ISTEA bill should trickle down to, and be <br />incorporated by, local units of government. This would <br />mean that transportation planning on the county and city <br />levels would encompass not only vehicular circulation, <br />but also public transportation, incentives for sharing <br />rides, and facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. <br /> <br />11 <br />