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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL)

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House Capital Investment Committee Hears Presentation on Seidl’s Lake Flood Mitigation, North Urban Trail Projects

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

ST. PAUL, MN – Yesterday, October 29, the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee heard presentations on the Seidl’s Lake Flood Mitigation and North Urban Trail pedestrian bridge bonding projects. State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) introduced the local officials who presented and is advocating for the projects.  

Seidl’s Lake is a lake located in South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. It’s a landlocked water body with no reasonable natural outlet. The large water level fluctuations have damaged park amenities, impacted shoreline vegetation, and inhibited future plans for the surrounding park’s development.

“This project would control the level of the lake and help prevent future flood damage to the area,” said Rep. Rick Hansen. “It’s a small but necessary project to improve a great lake our communities enjoy.”

The flood mitigation project, at a cost of $550,000, would discharge excess storm water in the South St. Paul storm sewer system through a long forcemain. The pumping station would be jointly constructed and maintained by South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul.

West St. Paul officials also presented to the committee, asking for consideration of $3 million state bonding for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across Robert Street.  The proposed bridge would be the final link and become part of the Regional trail system as well as an important safety component of the Robert Street Reconstruction project.

“Robert Street is one of the highest accident rated arterial roadways in the state and was also rated a hostile environment to bicyclists and pedestrians,” added Rep. Hansen. “Adding a pedestrian bridge will improve safety, reduce congestion, and link into an excellent system that includes other trails, parks, schools, businesses, and transit.

“These are both worthwhile projects that I will continue advocating for as the legislature works on bonding bills next year.”

Additional information on the North Urban Trail pedestrian bridge project can be found here: http://www.cityofwsp.org/vertical/sites/%7B2CF6FEAE-EDC4-4E50-A078-817B219E41B8%7D/uploads/Bonding_Committee_Presentation_-_FINAL.pdf.