ST. PAUL - Minnesota has not spent enough money to maintain existing highways, and the state transportation agency keeps up with serious bridge work but has fallen behind on routine road and bridge maintenance, an audit released this morning found.
Amid a roiling debate over transportation funding at the Capitol, a report today by the independent legislative auditor found the Minnesota Department of Transportation has used borrowed funds for highway expansion in recent years, but will need to focus on preserving existing roadway.
"To meet expected needs in the coming years, MnDOT will need to direct virtually all available funds to preservation projects," the report concluded.
The report by Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles' office also found MnDOT is spending more on construction, but at the same time the condition of state highways has deteriorated. However, the structural condition of bridges has improved.
MnDOT district officials who were interviewed as part of the audit told researchers that they promptly address high-priority bridge needs, but do not have enough workers to keep up with ongoing maintenance. Twin Cities-area officials reporting having fewer bridge workers in 2007 than in 2001.
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"District officials said the staff reductions are the result of budget restrictions," the report said.
In a letter responding to the report, Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau said the audit "will contribute to an enhanced discussion among all parties on how to cost-effectively preserve our critical transportation infrastructure."
Molnau, who also is the elected lieutenant governor, said her agency will follow the audit's recommendations, including by putting more dollars into bridge replacement and continuing to address pavement conditions.
The independent auditor last reviewed MnDOT's highway and bridge spending in 1997. That report said the condition of most state highways was good and that the quality of pavement had increased over the previous 12 years.
The audit concluded that MnDOT was not doing enough preventative maintenance - the result of more pressing needs, such as roads in bad shape, problem bridges and safety concerns.
"They felt they were doing the best they could given funding constraints," the 1997 report said of local MnDOT managers.
