1.1                             A resolution
  1.2             memorializing the commissioners of transportation and 
  1.3             trade and economic development to take actions to have 
  1.4             Interstate Highway No. 35 designated as the 
  1.5             International NAFTA Superhighway. 
  1.6      
  1.7      WHEREAS, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 
  1.8   has the potential to create thousands of high-wage jobs and to 
  1.9   create the largest market for goods and services in the world; 
  1.10  and 
  1.11     WHEREAS, Interstate Highway No. 35 is a central 
  1.12  transportation corridor linking Mexico, the United States, and 
  1.13  Canada; and 
  1.14     WHEREAS, capacity and technology improvements are vital to 
  1.15  enable Interstate Highway No. 35 to meet the demands as the 
  1.16  north-south artery that links the three NAFTA nations; and 
  1.17     WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States is presently 
  1.18  deliberating designation of a highway as the International NAFTA 
  1.19  Superhighway; and 
  1.20     WHEREAS, such a designation will lead to the elimination of 
  1.21  barriers to international commerce and enhanced funding for 
  1.22  upgrading capacity and safety; and 
  1.23     WHEREAS, designation of Interstate Highway No. 35 will 
  1.24  enhance Minnesota's position as a national hub for 
  1.25  transportation-sensitive industries; NOW, THEREFORE, 
  2.1      BE IT RESOLVED that the commissioners of the departments of 
  2.2   transportation and trade and economic development are urged to 
  2.3   take all necessary steps to:  (1) promote the designation of 
  2.4   Interstate Highway No. 35 as the International NAFTA 
  2.5   Superhighway; and (2) make Minnesota a member of a multistate 
  2.6   organization that serves that purpose, including seeking all 
  2.7   available nonstate sources of funding for such membership.