MnDOT to launch flood mitigation program

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is launching a $50 million program aimed at making the state's roads more resistant to future flood damage.

MnDOT officials say that money - coupled with Federal Highway Administration emergency relief to repair September flood damage - will improve state infrastructure, now and in the future.

MnDOT will fund the mitigation program with $50 million of existing bond authority - $10 million each year through 2016.

The agency says it has sufficient bonding authority and is seeing cost savings on construction projects from recent bids.

Some projects that might be funded include repairs to culverts in poor condition, and repairs to highways that regularly flood.

The program is not part of the disaster relief approved by Minnesota lawmakers during Monday's special session.

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Online: http://www.mndot.gov

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