ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative Zachary Dorholt (DFL-St. Cloud) is working with a broad-based coalition of legislators and business leaders in Central Minnesota to improve traffic and safety on I-94 and Highway 10. Today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann hosted a press event to highlight these projects, which are being advocated for both at the state and Federal level.
“Upgrading our insufficient infrastructure is good for business and the St. Cloud area,” said Rep. Dorholt. “No one likes to sit in traffic and congestion is a growing problem for commuters, businesses and travelers along I-94 and Highway 10.”
The discussion focused on efforts to add a lane to I-94 and to improve safety in several key areas along Highway 10. Proponents emphasized a great return on investment for these improvements and overwhelming support from local officials, organizations and businesses.
“I appreciate Rep. Bachmann’s interest in these efforts but I am disappointed that we left the Northstar commuter rail out of the discussion. Real transportation is multi-modal, and if we really want to address traffic and safety concerns from the Metro to St. Cloud, the Northstar needs to be part of the mix.”
There are several bills at the legislature advocating for various parts of these projects. Issues have been raised in committee about lacking funding mechanisms behind these proposals. Any legislation asking MNDOT to fund I-94 or Highway 10 would displace a currently scheduled MNDOT project that may have greater urgency.
“There is a lot of talk about what we want to do but not a lot of talk about actually getting the job done,” commented Rep. Dorholt. “If we really want to improve our roads, then we are going to have to be serious about finding a funding source for these projects and following through with the project.”
Rep. Dorholt’s legislation, H.F. 1310, allocates $30 million in bonding dollars to add a lane to I-94 between Rogers and Wright County.
Rep. Dorholt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn.
-30-