Minnesota Chamber and its top official receive Regional Leadership Award

ST. PAUL—Dec. 13, 2006—The Metropolitan Council today awarded the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its President, David Olson, a “Regional Leadership Award” for helping to secure additional transportation funds in the Nov. 7 election. Olson and the Chamber played key roles in the approval and passage of the constitutional amendment dedicating 100 percent of the revenues from the state Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) to transportation.

“Dave and the Chamber were instrumental in helping to organize and lead the successful ‘Vote Yes’ campaign, building a coalition of supporters and raising nearly $4 million to mount a grassroots campaign,” said Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell. “The amendment received 57 percent of the vote, well beyond our expectations, sending a strong message that residents are serious about transit and transportation issues.”

The amendment, when fully phased in over five years, will provide an additional $275 million a year for transportation, including more than $100 million more each year to help improve the region’s transit system, increase ridership and slow the growth in congestion. Currently, 54 percent of MVST revenues are used for transportation purposes and the rest goes into the state’s general fund.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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