Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> ----- <br /> LE-13. Local Permitting Authority for Telecommunications <br /> Problem: City franchising authority is viewed as a barrier to competition in the . <br /> development of electronic information networks and telecommunications services. <br /> Solution Current city franchising authority should be replaced in favor of local <br /> permitting authority: <br /> . State and federal governments must develop and enforce minimum technical and <br /> connectivity standards and rate regulation in the absence of competition; <br /> . The state should license telecommnnications providers to ensure they have the <br /> fmancial, technical, and legal qualifications to provide proposed services; <br /> . The state legislature should develop legislation to protect cities' interests in the <br /> management of local public rights-of-way and restructure and simplify the <br /> regulatory framework for telecommunications service providers in the state, <br /> LE-14. Adequate Funding for Transportation <br /> Problem: Current funding for roads and for transit systems across all government levels in <br /> the state is not adequate. <br /> Solution: Minnesota should value, and adequately fund, all transportation systems in . <br /> the state, The state needs to provide an objective basis to determine the l'oIDplete needs <br /> of the road and transit systems, their present condition, and t!:.:!ir impact on the <br /> economic health of the state. This should include acknowledgement that delaying <br /> current expenditures will increase costs in the future. Cities support an increase in the <br /> gas tax and urge the legislature to institute additioual revenue sources that can be <br /> dedicated to transportation programs. Cities should receive revenues necessary to meet <br /> present and future transportation needs. If funding does not come from the state, cities <br /> should have funding options available to them to raise the dollars necessary to <br /> adequately fund roads and transit. <br /> With the exception of funding for the state patrol, all nontransportation programs <br /> should be funded from a source other than the highway user distribution fund. The <br /> revenues of the highway user distribution fund are collected from transportation users <br /> and should be dedicated to transportation-related services, <br /> . <br /> LE-15. Turnbacks of County and State Roads <br /> Problem: As road funding becomes increasingly inadequate, more roads are being "turned <br /> back" to cities from counties and the state. . <br /> 12 League of Minnesota Cities <br />