Governor Pawlenty announces transportation
stimulus projects for Greater Minnesota
BRAINERD, Minn. - With transportation funding from the federal
stimulus package now available, Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced
60 state highway projects that are slated to begin construction
in Greater Minnesota as early as this spring. Stimulus funds targeted
for the Greater Minnesota highway construction, paving, bridge
and safety projects totals $180 million.
In central Minnesota, MnDOT District 3, the stimulus projects
include:
Highway 10 - Mill and overlay from Wadena to
Staples
Highway 23 - Replace deck and paint bridge over
Rum River in Milaca
Highway 95 - Mill and overlay east of Cambridge
to Isanti/Chisago County line
Highway 95 - Replace bridge over Rum River west
of Cambridge
Highway 107 - Replace bridge over Snake River
at Grasston
Highway 169 - Mill and overlay north of Princeton
to Milaca
Highway 169 - Unbonded overlay south of Onamia
Interstate 94 - Replace deck and paint bridge
under Stearns County Rd 143
Interstate 94 - Replace deck and paint bridge
under Stearns County Rd 186
Interstate 94 - Rehab concrete pavement on various
sections of roadway between Monticello and St. Joseph
Interstate 94 - Install high tension median
guard rail from Sauk Centre to Douglas/Todd County Line
Various locations throughout the district -
Upgrade signals
Contractors for the first round of projects will be selected
March 13, with work to begin in May. The Federal Highway Administration
estimates that the Greater Minnesota transportation projects will
create approximately 5,000 jobs. Projects in the Twin Cities metro
area are being finalized and will be announced in March.
”Our district’s goal is to ensure that our share of
the federal stimulus funds is used efficiently and effectively,”
said MnDOT District 3 Transportation Engineer Bob Busch. “We
appreciate the support of our local partners and stakeholders.”
Minnesota is expected to receive more than $596 million for state
and local highway and transit projects over the next two years
as a result of the federal legislation. Approximately 30 percent
of the highway funds are available for local units of government
and the remaining 70 percent is for projects identified by MnDOT
to meet the goal of the federal legislation to create jobs and
improve the nation’s infrastructure. The bulk of the money
will go for roads and bridges, with half of the funds targeted
for projects that must start within 120 days.
MnDOT used the following criteria in selecting the 60 Greater
Minnesota projects:
Project readiness is assessed based on status
of environmental review, percent of right of way purchased,
etc.
Consistency with performance based plans. MnDOT
prioritized projects identified within the State Transportation
Improvement Program or from the Long Range District Plans.
Statewide coverage. In order to create jobs
statewide, MnDOT worked to ensure that the projects selected
provide statewide coverage, job and transportation impact.
Work type balance. Selecting a variety of project
types, such as concrete and bituminous or preservation and safety
will best use the entire capacity of Minnesota’s highway
construction industry to ensure the best possible project prices,
efficient program delivery and job creation.
Project advancement. Projects already funded
in FY2009 will not be included in the Economic Recovery Program.
The planned construction schedule for a project must be advanced
to be included in the Economic Recovery Program. In addition,
work must start on projects immediately after letting and contract
award. This will ensure that the projects represent new or increased
work and, therefore, result in job creation.
These projects are in addition to the usual annual list of projects
that MnDOT unveils each spring.
