Even though the Minnesota Department of Transportation looks to cut $150 million from its construction program in 2010 and 2011, stimulus-funding projects in Freeborn County will not be affected, said Freeborn County Engineer Sue Miller.

The $16 million in repairs to Interstate 90 and Freeborn County Road 46 will happen this summer as planned.

However, there are local impacts. The reason for the cuts is a decline in auto sales taxes and license tab fees that help pay for road construction. A drop in automobile sales prompted the revenue decline. That revenue contributes to the Highway User Trust Fund.

Miller said Freeborn County isn’t slated to get money from the state program for a specific project until 2013. If the revenue from the auto sales taxes and license tab fees continues to decline in future years, it could delay local projects. Still, the revenue does fund a lot to fund regular local construction and maintenance.

“Keep in mind,” she said in an e-mail interview, “the majority of my budget is revenue from the HUTF so the decline in revenue will more than likely mean a decline in the 2010 and 2011 apportionment to Freeborn County.”

She said for 2009, Freeborn County’s apportionment would have decreased by $334,355.

Instead, it increased slightly by $142,688 due to the increased gas tax.

Miller said the Freeborn County Highway Department is planning a reduced construction and maintenance schedule because of expected state and local funding levels and because of increases in prices of construction materials.

The department plans to cut $400,000 meant for gravel, preventative maintenance and heavy equipment, Miller said.

“In this mode of operation, we will not be able to sustain the quality of our highways or the level of service that most in the public would like to see improved to structural 10-ton pavements and ice free within 24 hours,” she said.

Miller said she has concerns about the future of infrastructure in Albert Lea and Freeborn County and said it will take “bold leadership” at the federal, state and local levels to preserve the investments of previous generations and ensure them for future generations.