Sustainable Development Task Force Report

On April 11, 1996, Governor Arne Carlson signed into law an act relating to sustainable development in Minnesota. This act defines sustainable development as "development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and economies depend. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The Minnesota Department of Transportation's (Mn/DOT) Sustainable Development Task Force adopted this definition.

This report examines four different aspects of transportation policy and their roles in a sustainable community. It reviews Mn/DOT's activities currently under way in those policy areas including: land use and transit; pricing; technology; and research and education. It outlines the following seven specific steps for future action:

- Comply with sustainable development legislation in Minnesota--Minnesota Legislative Act Chapter N. 454, H. F. No. 1800
-Integrate sustainability measures into Mn/DOT's family of measures
- Improve the link between transportation investments and land use decisions
- Participate actively in sustainable development interagency working group
- Establish a statewide access management program
- Review the Transportation Research Board report on sustainable transportation
- Develop alternatives for sustainable transportation

Mn/DOT Deputies' Staff adopted these recommendations on June 3, 1997.