More troubles for MnDOT

MnDOT admits it hasn't met DBE goals

by Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has fallen short for years on its own goals for hiring minority and women-owned businesses on construction projects. The agency even reduced its goals in recent years, and still had difficulty meeting them. Meantime, a consultant's report contends MnDOT should be able to reach a goal of 15 percent DBE participation in its construction projects.

Fiscal year 2000

Goal: 11.6 percent

Attained: 2.25 percent

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Fiscal year 2001

Goal: 11.6 percent

Attained: 4.2 percent

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Fiscal year 2002

Goal: 10.3 percent

Attained: 6.2 percent

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Fiscal year 2003

Goal: 7.6 percent

Attained: 5.2 percent

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Fiscal year 2004

Goal: 5.8 percent

Attained: 6.4 percent

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Fiscal year 2005

Goal: 6.7 percent

Attained: 4.6 percent

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Fiscal year 2006

Goal: 9.57 percent

Attained: 8.2 percent

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Fiscal year 2007

Goal: 6.27 percent*

Attained: 6.5 percent (first half of the year)

*In an interview with MPR reporter Dan Olson, a MnDOT representative said the DBE goal for FY2007 was 10 percent.

(Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation)