Budget Impasse Closes Minnesota Rest Stops

July 1, 2005 11:05 AM, EDT

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innesota transportation officials said they have closed more than 90 rest stops in the state after lawmakers failed to reach a budget agreement for fiscal year 2006, which begins Friday.

The shutdown also means there will be no new information posted on highway message boards for motorists, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Web site.

Some rest stops with limited services will remain open, the department said.

"The department will reopen rest areas as soon as possible after the legislature and the Governor have reached an agreement to fund the Department of Transportation," the agency said.