ST. PAUL, Minn. – The
Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking recommendations for road and
bridge projects that will be funded by Corridors of Commerce funding, according
to MnDOT officials.
Corridors of Commerce funds
projects support economic growth through targeted regional investments that
help improve the movement of freight and reduce barriers to commerce. The 2014
legislation makes available up to $25 million in 2015. The primary intent of
this funding is to prepare eligible projects for future years should additional
funding be made available.
“Transportation investment is
key to our state’s economy,” said MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “The work
we do with this funding spurs economic growth in the near term through
construction jobs and, in the long run, creates a commerce-friendly network of
corridors that we can rely on every day to move goods and people efficiently
across our state.”
The 2015 funding can be used
for right of way acquisition, environmental study work and preliminary
engineering, as well as other project costs. MnDOT will collect project
recommendations during the next two weeks and will announce the selected
projects in October.
Since 2013, the Legislature
has provided $331.5 million in Corridors of Commerce funding for projects
statewide. The first program projects started this year and include:
·Lane
addition on Interstate 94 from Highway 101 to Highway 241 near St. Michael
·Expansion
of Highway 14 to four lanes from Highway 218 to County Road 43 near Owatonna
·Passing
lane additions on various sections of Highway 2 and Highway 34 in northwestern
Minnesota
“We are working hard to make
our transportation system more effective and efficient,” Zelle said. “A good
transportation network serves the economy well and improves the quality of life
for all of us.”
To recommend a Corridors of
Commerce project or to learn more about the program, visit www.mndot.gov/corridorsofcommerce.
