ST. PAUL – Today, Governor Dayton and Representative Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) announced that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has awarded new funds for 13 new transportation improvement projects that are part of the Corridors of Commerce initiative. These projects include Highway 14 ($7.3 million) for the purchase of right of way expansion for segment #2 between Dodge Center and Owatonna.
“This announcement is fantastic news for our region! As the chief-author of legislation to keep this important project moving forward, I continue to work with the members of the Highway 14 Partnership, Governor Dayton, and my colleagues in the legislature to see this project get done as soon as possible," said Rep. Patti Fritz. "This project is crucial to improving commerce and driver safety in our communities."
The Corridors of Commerce initiative provides targeted funds for transportation projects that will help reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve the efficient movement of goods and commuters. All of the projects are focused on promoting economic growth.
In total, 27 transportation projects have received Corridors of Commerce funding since November 2013. The latest round of funding announced today will speed up work on 13 important projects, and ensure that more projects will get started in the next few years.
The Minnesota Legislature created the Corridors of Commerce program in 2013, setting aside $300 million, which became available July 1, 2014. This money is funding 10 projects, five of which started this year, including additional work on on Highway 14 ($12 million) to build four lanes between Highway 218 to east of Steele County Road 43.
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