Dear Neighbor,
There are more questions than answers regarding this session’s top issues with a week and a half left before the Legislature is set to adjourn May 23. Most of the work between now and then will center on resolving differences between what the House and Senate majorities propose regarding the state’s massive surplus. In general, I support the Senate’s position of converting it to meaningful tax relief.
I have said this before, but it is important to remember the state already is fully funded for the biennium so there is no threat of a state shutdown if no agreement is reached on appropriating the surplus dollars. Stay tuned for more on that soon. For now here is a look at some other developments and an update on two local road projects:
Veterans bill approved
The House and Senate both recently approved legislation that supports care for our veterans.
The military affairs package (S.F. 4233) appropriates an additional $2.2 million to the Department of Military Affairs and an additional $52.351 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs. It includes more than $10 million for construction cost increases for the three new veterans’ homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, and more than $16 million for enhancements and furnishings to these facilities.
Veterans and Gold Star families who served post-9/11 will receive a total of $24.8 million post-service bonus payments. The bill also includes funding to address veteran homelessness, money for the State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls, and other veterans related programs.
The bill passed the House 122-1 and cleared the Senate without opposition before being presented to the governor for enactment. It was good to see such broad, bipartisan support for our veterans on this bill.
Highway 23 project
I was pleased to attend a recent event at the site of a Highway 23 North Gap construction project, which will expand nine miles of road between Paynesville and Richmond from two to four lanes. MnDOT indicates three detours will be required to complete this project, so please plan accordingly, watch for construction/detour signs and be extra alert for workers in the area.
While there certainly will be temporary inconveniences, the finished product should be a great improvement for people who travel in our area. Highway 23 is a major artery for our local economy and the expanded lanes will both mitigate slowdowns and improve roadway safety. As a Corridors of Commerce highway, this is a homegrown project the state is completing without federal dollars.
Click here for more on the Highway 23 project, including detour information.
Highway 15 project
Another major roadway in our area – Highway 15 – is being reconstructed in Kimball. MnDOT indicates Highway 15 is closed to through traffic between Highway 55 and Willow Creek Road, south of the railroad tracks in Kimball, through early August. This is a major overhaul, from a new road surface/curbs/gutters, to replacing the storm sewer and other utilities, improving pedestrian approaches/sidewalks and installing new lighting. A multi-use trail also will be installed along Highway 15 north of 55.
MnDOT has more information, including detour routes, at this website.
I will be back with more from the House soon. Until then, please stay in touch and I hope you can get out for the fishing opener. We plan to get out and try our luck on the Chain.
Sincerely,
Lisa