Commentary; Posted: 10/3/07
Ask tough questions about MnDOT finances
Rep. Jeremy Kalin
Guest Columnist
On August 1, the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River, taking 13 lives with it. The tragedy seemed to serve as a wake-up call for the state and the nation about the safety of our infrastructure.
Given the lack of funding for the North Branch (TH-95-I-35) bridge and the traffic congestion we all face commuting to the cities, I’ve long advocated for more investment in transportation funding - especially if the money is dedicated to roads and bridges.
But, standing in the shadow of twisted steel and submerged vehicles, it was a wake-up call to me as well as other legislators from around the state, regardless of party affiliation.
Meeting together after touring the bridge site, we agreed to set aside past differences and do what it takes to ensure the safety of every one of Minnesota’s bridges and every mile of our roads.
The national impact of the bridge collapse was brought home for me when my wife and I celebrated our honeymoon in Alaska. Fellow travelers from around the world expressed sympathy for Minnesota’s loss and a common concern for the bridge safety everywhere.
In Alaska, nearly all of the state engineers were deployed to investigate every deficient bridge.
The state of Missouri even called a special legislative session specifically to beef up their bridge inspections and repairs.
In Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty sounded like the leader we all wanted him to be in the days after the bridge collapse - even considering a gas tax increase and a special session.
But lately, I’ve grown increasingly disappointed.
When legislators questioned Lt. Gov. and MnDOT Commissioner Carol Molnau and her staff on August 15 and 22, MnDOT assured us that they would have no cash flow problems.
Other projects would not suffer, the Lt. Gov. promised us.
Since then, we’ve learned of excessive bonuses going to the losing bidders of the 35W bridge contract - to the tune of $600,000 total.
We’ve learned that MnDOT’s director of Emergency Management, Sonia Morphew Pitt, couldn’t be bothered to come home for 10 days after the bridge collapsed, and that up to $26,000 of her taxpayer-paid travel was for personal pleasure.
And, we’ve learned that MnDOT management, when made aware of Ms. Pitt’s excesses, failed to alert the Legislative Auditor as required by law.
To top it all off, Lt. Gov. Molnau has since admitted that she didn’t tell the legislature the truth. She has asked the legislature to give her an unprecedented cash advance of almost $200 million.
Although the Lt. Gov. did not specify the source of the funds, she’s threatened to delay or altogether halt other projects in the works in order to finance the 35W bridge.
What’s the governor’s response to Minnesotans’ questions about MnDOT finances?
Don’t worry. It’s taken care of.
I know he’s trying to be reassuring, but it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in Lt. Gov. Molnau, or in Minnesota’s infrastructure.
The administration needs to come clean regarding MnDOT’s ongoing financial troubles. Only then can Minnesotans be confident that increased investment will be responsibly managed by the Pawlenty/Molnau administration.
And only then will we be certain that our state is on the responsible path to better roads, safer bridges, and adequate transit options.
If you have any additional questions, comments or ideas on this or any other topic, I encourage you to call me at 651-296-5377 or email me at rep.jeremy.kalin@house.mn.
Jeremy Kalin lives in Chisago Lake Township and represents House District 17B.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605