Operating Engineers Applaud Minnesota 2020’s Transportation Report

St. Anthony — The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 applauds Minnesota 2020’s transportation report, Minnesota’s Road to Recovery. The report examines the impact federal stimulus spending is having on the state’s transportation infrastructure and job growth. It finds while federal money is providing a much needed boost, the state must find a long-term solution to fund and prioritize road, highway and bridge projects. Local 49 Business Manager Glen Johnson issues the following statement about the report:

“We commend Minnesota 2020’s transportation report for highlighting the necessity to improve transportation investment in Minnesota and create jobs. Inadequate funding for our state’s infrastructure has not only taken a toll on roads and bridges, but has dealt a near-crippling blow to job growth among our skilled workforce, especially Operating Engineers.

“While the report stresses the value of federal stimulus funding to help slow major job losses in the construction industry, it’s also correct in finding that these one-time dollars aren’t the solution to Minnesota’s long-term employment and transportation needs.

“In fact, while federal money put some in the construction industry back to work, it wasn’t enough support to overcome years of neglect and economic downturns.

“We urge policy and lawmakers to follow MN 2020’s recommendations to improve transportation investments, ensuring that when the stimulus money dries up, jobs don’t evaporate with it.”

About Local 49

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 is a labor union 13,000 members strong in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Minnesota 2020 is a nonprofit, progressive think tank dedicated to advancing the issues that really matter: transportation, education, health care, and sustainable economic development. You can read a full copy of the report at http://www.mn2020.org