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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

A Drive Toward Better Roads in Minnesota with Start of 2015 Session

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Transportation is among the items topping the agenda as the 2015 Legislature gavels into session today in St. Paul.

While Democrats and Republicans differ in how they would address the state's ailing roads and bridges, both parties have voiced the need for improving the transportation system. Margaret Donahoe, executive director of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, says the cost to adequately do so would be around $1 billion a year.

"We're about $600 million a year short on the state highway system, and about $300 million short for transit needs in the metropolitan area," says Donahoe. "There are additional needs for local roads and bridges throughout the state and transit in Greater Minnesota."

Donahoe recommends a slight increase in so-called user fees such as the fuel tax, license tab fees and sales taxes on motor vehicles, all of which are constitutionally dedicated to transportation.

"But they're not keeping up very well," she says. "So if we're able to get the Legislature and the governor to adjust those fees, we could make a big difference in fixing our bridges, roads, and expanding transit service."

Governor Mark Dayton says transportation is one of his top priorities for the session, and has proposed a wholesale tax to be paid by fuel suppliers of 6.5 percent. Republicans says instead of new taxes or fees, the state needs to better prioritize by shifting funds from public transit to road and bridge maintenance.




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