DISTRICT 24 LEGISLATORS TEAM UP FOR HIGHWAY 14 EXPANSION FUNDING
Saint Paul, MN -- District 24 legislators Senator Vicki Jensen, DFL-Owatonna, and Representative John Petersburg, R-Waseca, and Representative Patti Fritz, DFL-Faribault, announced Monday bipartisan legislation to use a small part of the $1.2 billion surplus to complete Highway 14 expansion from Steele County Road 43 to Dodge Center. The $30 million appropriation would be used for the design, planning, purchase of right-of-way, and some construction costs along the proposed stretch.
"What we got with Corridors of Commerce was a positive step in the right direction, but this bill makes sure they don't think the road is done," Senator Jensen said. "It's not. But we need to make sure people around here know that we mean to finish it, and that we won't be forgotten about. This project is so important to all of the communities on the corridor. We need to get this done."
"Highway 14 has been on the back burner for too long," Rep. Petersburg said. "I've heard from constituents the need to invest in roads and bridges, and this bill does just that; it will create construction jobs, and help our region take another step toward finally completing the overdue Highway 14 expansion. Completing Highway 14 expansion is necessary for the safety of those who travel it each and every day, and for the future economic vitality of our region as Southern Minnesota's economy continues to grow."
"Members of the Hwy 14 partnership stick together and we work together," Representative Fritz said. "This is a bill working towards the completion of this project, along with bills that myself and others have authored to finish this project, and I support it."
The bill will be referred to the Transportation Finance committees in the House and Senate pending further action.
XXX