ST. PAUL, Minn. – The House Transportation Committee Wednesday heard a bill authored by Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) to improve access to the Greenway Fire Department’s station in Calumet. The bill, HF 2514, would fund construction of a new turn lane and bypass lane on Highway 169 in front of the fire station to provide easier access onto and off of the roadway for trucks and other vehicles responding to calls.
“The first responders in these communities have a tremendous responsibility to act fast, but the current road configuration can get in the way of this when seconds are precious,” Rep. Sandstede said. “By allowing emergency vehicles easier access, this lane construction will improve safety for area families, and I hope we can get this done.”
Joining Rep. Sandstede to present the bill was Greenway Fire Chief Ladd Finke. The Greenway Fire Department was created in 2010 with the merger of the Calumet and Marble fire departments. No action was taken on the bill.
ATTACHED PHOTO: Greenway Fire Chief Ladd Finke and Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) present a bill to improve access on Highway 169 in near the Greenway Fire Station in Calumet.