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State Representative Jerry Newton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5369
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. JERRY NEWTON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO WIDEN HWY 10; PLAN NEW RAIL LINE
ST. PAUL, MN - As a former councilman and member of the NorthStar Rail Corridor Authority, Rep. Jerry Newton (DFL - Coon Rapids) is getting off to a quick start in his new role as a member of the House Transportation Finance Division. This week Rep. Newton introduced two pieces of legislation that would 1) widen Highway 10 through Coon Rapids (HF1028); and 2) provide $1 million in additional bonding funds for planning a passenger rail line from Duluth to Minneapolis known as the Northern Lights Express (HF373).
“Our transportation system needs constant attention," said Rep. Newton. “The way Minnesotans get around is changing dramatically. We need to continue molding Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure to remain competitive and reliable in a fast-paced 21st Century economy. Those changes need to respond appropriately to the needs of commuters in our community and across the state.”
Intimately familiar with continued congestion problems on Highway 10, Rep. Newton is determined to find a solution for North Metro commuters. Newton’s bill would widen the stretch to three lanes between Hanson Boulevard and Round Lake Boulevard in Coon Rapids, helping ease congestion in the area and providing a less stressful commute for thousands of Minnesotans who travel through the area every day. This proposed widening of Highway 10 would be in addition to MnDOT’s widening of the stretch from Egret Boulevard to Hanson Boulevard - a project expected to be completed by November of this year.
“People in our community have wanted to expand Highway 10 for years to ease the heavy flow of traffic that comes through our area during the height of rush hour every day,” said Newton. “This is a common sense solution to a problem Coon Rapids has been dealing with for far too long.”
In addition to making the driving commute easier through Coon Rapids, Rep. Newton is making strident efforts to provide an alternative, clean, and affordable means of transportation for area residents. Newton has co-authored a bill to continue planning for a new passenger rail line from Duluth to Minneapolis, stopping at the Foley Park and Ride in Coon Rapids. Rep. Newton is convinced the line would do more than simply provide a new mode of transit, but that it would bring millions of dollars in new economic development opportunities to Coon Rapids as well.
“When the NorthStar Commuter Rail Line starts running between Big Lake and Minneapolis later this year, Coon Rapids is going to be a major hub for thousands of North Metro commuters,” said Newton. “By expanding the line all the way to Duluth, thousands more Minnesotans from across the state will be coming through our area - spending money in our stores, and getting to know Coon Rapids better. This is a great opportunity for our community, and a new mode of transportation we can’t let pass by.”
Both bills are now moving through the legislative process.
News Items
- LOCAL LAWMAKERS HELP DELIVER NEEDED RELIEF TO FLOOD, TORNADO VICTIMS - (Posted: 2010-10-19 00:00:00)
- REP. NEWTON STANDS UP FOR SCHOOLS - (Posted: 2010-05-12 00:00:00)
- A SAFE PLACE FOR ALL KIDS TO PLAY - (Posted: 2010-04-21 00:00:00)
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