Minnesota Department of Highways

As part of a system for developing a more structured and comprehensive Mn/DOT Research Program, an evaluation and review of selected research projects was accomplished by the Research Review and Evaluation Committee. The major tasks of this committee were: 1. To evaluate and make recommendations on the evaluation form. 2. Determine how well the activities of the Physical Research Section Program and the Cooperative Transportation Research and Studies projects contribute to Mn/DOT's goals. 3. Determine the future course for each selected project— whether or not it should be continued and, if continued, at what level of effort.

This Facilities Study will provide the 'Department of Transportation with planning and cost estimates to determine how several facilities within the metro area best be housed and provide information to be used in preparing their Capital Budget request and Six Year Budget Program.

The study itself was undertaken with certain definite objectives in mind: - To evaluate automated systems implemented to date in terms of cost, efficiency, utilization and benefits derived - To analyze the value of known future electronic data processing applications and chart a "course of action" to optimize potential benefits - To establish a continuing plan against which proposed applications and future accomplishments can be evaluated - To identify the primary factors affecting the Department's future role in meeting its part of the total electronic data processing needs of Minnesota's State Government - To provide a basis for the development of realistic, program oriented, electronic data processing budget estimates

This report is submitted by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) in response to the requirements specified in Chapter 19, Article 3, Laws of 2003, 1 Special Session.

The Department of Highways respectfully submits the "Recommended Ten- Year Building Program" for Fiscal Years 1972 through 1981.

The Mn/DOT/PLAN satisfies the requirement of the 1975 enabling legislation which created the Department of Transportation and required the preparation of a state transportation plan by July 1, 1978. The Mn/DOT/PLAN provides the framework for making transportation decisions in Minnesota, insures that the transportation systems and facilities in Minnesota provide for the well-being of its citizens and their activities, and provides a means for addressing present as well as future transportation needs in an efficient and effective manner. The theme of the Mn/DOT/PLAN development effort has been public participation. The plan was developed through many hours of citizen, business, governmental agencies, public official and interest group involvement over the last eighteen months.

The purpose of this document is to show how Mn/DOT, guided by our strategic vision and directions, is delivering a sustainable transportation system through wise stewardship of financial resources, a commitment to critical products and services, a promise to meet customer needs, and an ability to address key issues, policies and initiatives with strong leadership and innovation.

The purpose of this report on the Department of Transportation (DOT) concept and its acceptance and implementation by growing numbers of states is to assist in fulfilling the Task Force charge to "study the transportation needs of the State and devise plans for the future which shall encompass all modes of transportation." A D.O.T. organizational structure should by its very nature encompass all modes of transportation and could, if so organized, accomplish coordinated and integrated planning and administration of all modes. In this report the attempt is made to provide Task Force members with factual data regarding the status of State DOT development nationwide and with a substantive analysis of the organizational structure, mechanics, performance, and problems of states with DOT experience. It is hoped that this analysis will assist the Task Force in evaluating the desirability of recommending the establishment of a State level DOT, in order to assist in achieving coordinated, comprehensive, statewide transportation planning in Minnesota

This document was created in response results of the Minnesota Highway Planning Survey. The survey was in response to the Hayden-Cartwright Federal Aid Act of 1934, which authorized federal funds for state transportation planning surveys. The Minnesota Highway Planning Survey revealed issues with the Road system, and this document attempts to explain and justify them.

This report, covering the history of Interstate Highway Route development in the Twin City area for presentation to the Legislative Commission on Highways in Minnesota, was compiled from information, reports, and records on file within the Department which pertained to the network in general, with specific reference to that portion of the Freeway System in the central core area of Minneapolis, the University district, Como district, Prospect Park district, Merriam Park district, and Beltrami Park district. The location of the Interstate Highway through sections of the above districts has been questioned by various groups representing residents of those areas. This report outlines the many and varied studies made by the Department of Highways and its consulting engineers in close liaison with city and county engineers and planners, and other interested groups . The studies began with designation of a Strategic Highway System in 1941; subsequent planning for an interregional system and an expressway system; culminating in the present Freeway System as proposed by this Department, and officially approved by the governing bodies of the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the Bureau of Public Roads;