Slow Federal Funds Strain State Road Budgets

Strain on federal highway fund colors Minnesota roads debate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A slowing flow of money from Washington for highway construction is putting strain on road-building budgets of Minnesota and other states.

Figures compiled by The Associated Press show the total amount of money available to all states from the Federal Highway Trust Fund has declined 3.5 percent during the five-year period ending in 2013, the latest year of complete data. In Minnesota, the drop is even more severe but there's more to the story.

The 2007 collapse and swift rebuild of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis caused Minnesota's federal highway grants to top $1 billion, but allocations have steadily receded since.

As costs increase for building and repairing roads, Minnesota officials face a choice: scale back construction programs or turn inward for money to narrow the gap.

Federal highway spending in Wisconsin dipped over 5 years

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal aid for Wisconsin highways has dropped by 3.6 percent, nearly $28 million, over the five years ending in 2013.

That's according to data obtained by the Associated Press. It shows a declining money stream that is worsening the state's woes in paying for road projects.

Wisconsin's loss wasn't as large as some neighboring states. Minnesota saw a nearly 33 percent drop because of unique circumstances, Michigan an 8 percent decline and Illinois a 6.4 percent dip.

But the drop doesn't help Wisconsin lawmakers fighting over how to pay for road work as gas tax revenue dwindles. Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal calls for borrowing $1.3 billion for transportation, but lawmakers from both parties have objected.