ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Thirteen stretches of clogged or deteriorated highways in Minnesota have been selected for quicker upgrades under a state transportation program designed to advance work.

Gov. Mark Dayton and Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle announced the new projects Tuesday. They include a Highway 371 lane expansion from Nisswa to Jenkins, design of passing lanes on Highway 11 near Warroad and planning for pavement work on Interstate 94 between the Twin Cities.

The $25 million will be used to purchase right-of-way, conduct engineering studies and otherwise advancing projects long in the conception stage. This is the third round in the Corridors of Commerce initiative since 2013.

Even so, Dayton says lawmakers are at "a time of reckoning" and must agree on a broad-scale transportation finance package to clear a multi-billion dollar construction backlog.

More From AM 1240 WJON