Road-Fund Standoff Stokes Worry In Minnesota

WASHINGTON (AP) - The current Washington standoff over highway construction dollars is causing some discomfort among the people charged with keeping Minnesota's roads and bridges in proper shape.

Without a deal soon between Congress and President Barack Obama, the federal Highway Trust Fund could run dry. That's worrisome for states that depend heavily on federal money for expensive road projects.

At the Minnesota Department of Transportation, officials have assembled a list of worst-case scenarios should the fund become insolvent next year. One option, is focusing solely on maintenance and putting new construction on hold.

There are 300 and 400 Minnesota highway projects a year. Of this season's $3.1 billion in road work, the federal government will pick up about 30 percent of the tab.