Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced that ten cities in Minnesota will receive support through the Active Transportation Planning Assistance program. This initiative aims to increase walking and biking within these communities.

Will Wlizlo, MnDOT's Active Transportation coordinator, explained the program's purpose: “MnDOT’s Active Transportation Planning Assistance program brings together neighbors to dream big and develop a work plan for building their own network for walking and bicycling.” He added that this assistance helps cities "reduce pollution, curb traffic, revitalize Main Streets, and increase residents’ health and safety."

The cities benefiting from this round of funding include Crookston, Duluth, La Crescent, Mora, Mountain Lake, North Mankato, St. Anthony Village, St. James, St. Louis County, and Worthington. Each city will focus on developing community-wide active transportation plans or specific corridor plans.

Funded by the Minnesota Legislature, the program provides approximately $100,000 worth of technical assistance from a consultant to each city. This includes help with creating action plans and demonstration projects. However, the cities will not receive direct financial aid from MnDOT; they are responsible for covering implementation costs such as construction.

Further information about the program can be found at mndot.gov/active-transportation-program/planning-assistance.html.