Public Input: Online Community Funding Options & Perceptions Survey TFAC 10.15.12 Minnesota Department of Transporta

1. Public Input: Online CommunityFunding Options & Perceptions SurveyTFAC10.15.12Minnesota Department of Transportation

2. MnDOT Online Customer Community • 400 Residents • Census alignment (age, income, geography, education, etc) • Surveys or Discussions sent out weekly • Online Interactions • Timely, nimble feedback not expected to be precise • Provides useful, directional feedback • Two surveys, in three weeks to help inform TFAC (~200) • Perceptions of future funding needs • Reaction to 10 potential funding options

3. Nearly equal numbers believe there isn’t adequate funding (today) as are unsure. About a quarter believe the state does have sufficient transportation funding. • Reasons believe there’s inadequate transportation funding: • Roads and bridges are in need or repair/maintenance • Lack /slow expansion of light rail/other forms of public transportation • Seen projects postponed • Unsure where all funding being allocated

4. Three of four are not familiar with the currentfunding options for Minnesota’s transportation system. • Shown choices, funding options are correctly recalled: • Gas Tax • Vehicle Sales tax • Federal Funding • Local Tax • Registrations Fees • Fares (transit)

5. Of the possible transportation funding options described [to fund Minnesota’s MM transportation system into the next 20 years] a tiered response emerged. Least favorably viewed funding options: (Ranked: order of least favorable) Most favorably viewed funding options: (Ranked: order most favorable) Mileage User Fee General Sales Tax Adding Toll Roads Property Tax Local/Regional Tax Income Tax Vehicle Registration Fees Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Motor Fuel Tax Sponsorships

6. Despite uncertainties over current funding levels, half are confident that Minnesota will have adequate funding for its transportation needs in the next 20 years. • Optimism stems from the perception that MnDOT is being proactive with future planning and innovation and the volume of work witnessed. Others point out that Minnesota is a highly taxed state and should therefore have all the necessary funding.

7. There is more concern about the future of education, employment, and health in the next 20 years than transportation.

8. Minnesotans’ describe an end state with and without adequate funding. If transportation is adequately funded over the next 20 years, as a whole will be safer, roads and bridges will be properly maintained, there will be more transportation choices , traffic congestion will be reduced and this state will be prepared for and able to support growth in commerce and population. Inadequate funding over next 20 years Adequate funding over the next 20 years • Safe transportation • Roads appropriately maintained • Safe/well maintained bridges and other infrastructures • Additional options/choices for transportation • Increase in light rail • Suitable public transportation for senior citizens, and residents in general • Reduced traffic congestion • Minnesota will attract more people and business – further boosting the state economy • “We could feel safe on ALL our roads whether driving, biking or walking. Bridges, roadways and rail tracks would be properly maintained.” • “We would be able to choose our preferred mode of transportation at any given time.” • “I think that more people would be drawn to Minnesota, more business, etc. When roads are well maintained, it creates a positive feel of the state.” • Safety conditions will be diminished • Bridges and other infrastructure not be properly maintained (unsafe bridges, gravel roads) • Fewer options/choices for public transit • Minnesota will be less competitive in the region • Lack of innovation in transportation • Increased congestion • “All modes of transportation will be overcrowded, possibly unsafe, and will have lots of failures.” • “Lack of transportation options compared to the population - aging roads may mean more accidents and incidents” • “Bridge safety would concern me most. I think we might miss some areas that are in need of repair and tragic things could happen.”

9. Bottom Line There’s low familiarity and awareness about whether Minnesota’s transportation system is currently, adequately funded. Long term transportation funding is not viewed as a significant concern. Existing funding sources show higher acceptance -- for addressing the long term needs. As more ideas are provided we’ll collect more public input. It’s important to communicate the future transportation vision along with the proposed funding solutions. - “sell the problem” as well as the funding options