FINAL 2012-15 STIP

PORT DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMThe Port Development Assistance Program was developed bythe state in response to the needs of the commercial navigationsystem. No federal funds are currently available for these typesof projects. The program provides a funding source thatfacilitates compliance with tighter environmental standards;helps to ensure the continued commercial effectiveness of lakeand river navigation terminals and helps to offset the increasesin general cost of commercial shipping.There exist a number of conditions that warrant the portdevelopment assistance program in Minnesota. Many of thepublic terminals and docks in the state are in need ofrehabilitation at costs beyond the means of local agencies.Local port authorities are having trouble keeping theirinfrastructures intact especially for our agricultural and miningindustries because the transportation and disposal of dredgematerial restricted to fewer, temporary or permanent disposallocations due to environmental regulations.Project proposals are prioritized based on need, employmentgenerated and overall economic benefit. Mn/DOT’s Office ofFreight and Commercial Vehicle Operations, working with theState’s port authorities, had identified a list of potential harborimprovement projects for 2011 and beyond. Past projects,besides dredging, include rehabilitating or improving rail andtruck access, dock walls, building roofs, sprinklers andelectrical systems, mobile handling equipment and addingwarehouse capacity.• 1998 - $1.5 million (General Funds)• 2000 - $2 million (General Funds)• 2001 - $1 million (General Funds)• 2003 - $2 million (Bonds)• 2005 - $2 million (Bonds)• 2006 - $3 million (Bonds)• 2008 - $500,000 (General Funds)• 2009 - $3 million (Bonds)• 2012 - $3 million (Bonds)To date, total state appropriations for the Port DevelopmentAssistance Program amounts to $24 million. The Ports haveidentified nearly $45 million of port development needs.According to Minnesota law, Port Development Assistancefunds cannot be added to other state sponsored portinvestments. Port Development funds can be used with federaland local dollars to complete projects that benefit a port.Additional information about the Port Development AssistanceProgram may be obtained from Dick Lambert, Ports and WaterwaysSection, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations, at(651) 366-3683 or email: dick.lambert@state.mn.us.The Minnesota Legislature has made the followingappropriations to the Port Development Assistance Program:• 1996 - $3 million (Bonds)• 1998 - $3 million (Bonds)B-1(2)