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Lt. Gov./Commissioner Carol Molnau
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The following is a message from Lt. Gov./Commissioner Carol Molnau.
At a news conference this afternoon, Gov. Tim Pawlenty outlined the effects of a possible state government shutdown that would occur July 1 if the Legislature does not pass key budget bills, including one for transportation.
The governor and I are hopeful that the budget impasse can be resolved before July 1; however, we also are continuing to plan for the possibility of a shutdown.
The governor today also submitted to the Ramsey County District Court a list of critical services the administration believes should remain open in the event of a shutdown. If approved by the court, transportation functions that would continue during a shutdown include all active state highway and bridge construction projects; the Stillwater Lift Bridge operations; operation of ramp meters and MnPass express lanes.
Staffing requirements for these and other Mn/DOT functions deemed critical is expected to be about 864 employees. We are in the process of developing a staffing plan for covering the services identified by the governor as critical transportation functions.
I know how unsettling the uncertainty of these past few weeks has been for you, and I want to thank you for your continued patience as we wait for a positive legislative outcome.
For more information, read:
We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available.
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