Minnesota. Department of Transportation.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation was created in 1976 when the legislature merged the former departments of highways and aeronautics, as well as portions of the Department of Public Service and the transportation-related functions of the State Planning Agency (Laws 1976 c166). The department develops and implements policies, plans, and programs for aeronautics, highways, motor carriers, ports, public transit, railroads, and pipelines. The department constructs, maintains, and regulates transportation facilities and services. It promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes.

The department is supervised and controlled by the commissioner of transportation, who is appointed by the governor for a term coinciding with the governor’s. The commissioner may appear as a party on behalf of the public in any proceeding before any governmental agency regulating public services or rates relating to transportation. The commissioner also provides technical and financial assistance to the Metropolitan Council and regional development commissions in the regional transportation planning process.

From the guide to the Audio-visual materials., 1907-1990., (Minnesota Historical Society)