Aaron Backman
WILLMAR — The Office of Governor Dayton announced that he has signed the 2018 Bonding Bill, including $105 million to fully fund both four-lane gaps between Willmar and I-94.
Jason Duininck, Chair of the Highway 23 Coalition’s Legislative Committee stated, “The Coalition is pleased with this announcement. This is great news for the 1,100+ transportation-related businesses along this critical corridor connecting Greater Minnesota from Duluth to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 90 members of the Coalition have dedicated many resources, time and effort to move this project forward. We are happy that Governor Dayton and the Minnesota Legislature recognized the need, supported this project and provided MnDOT with the direction and the means to complete it.”
In the recent past, Highway 23 in MnDOT District 8 has received over $2.3 million in Corridors of Commerce funding for environmental assessments for both gaps.
In addition to transportation improvements, the Highway 23 project has the opportunity to tie into various local road projects and the Willmar Wye project, a $48 million railroad bypass project that previously received a $10 million TIGER grant.
By completing a continuous four-lane highway between Willmar and I-94, this investment by the State of Minnesota provides additional opportunities to attract business development, expand the tax base, initiate job growth and reduce freight shipping costs throughout Greater Minnesota.
For more information regarding the Highway 23 Coalition, check out its website at www.highway23coalition.com or call 320-235-7370.