Dear Neighbors,
Last week, MnDOT released details of four projects set to receive $417 million in funding through the Corridors of Commerce program.
The 2013 Minnesota Legislature created the Corridors of Commerce program for the construction, reconstruction and improvement of trunk highways for projects not already in the State Transportation Improvement Program.
All four projects selected this year are located within 50 miles of the Twin Cities metro area which is disappointing considering there are a number of very important projects in Greater Minnesota that have been waiting years to be funded.
This year’s metro-centric project list reaffirms the fact that reforms are needed in the MnDOT selection process to ensure the needs of the entire state are balanced with those of the metro area.
What’s more, MnDOT touted these project selections saying they were balanced between rural and metro Minnesota, classifying projects in Elk River and Albertville as "rural".
Simply put, changes are needed. As long as I’m your representative, I will fight to make sure the needs of Greater Minnesota are addressed.
Please be sure to stay in touch as we move into the final weeks of session. As always, I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909. I can also be reached via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Jeff