ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed the HF 1684, the transportation omnibus budget bill, by a vote of 40 to 26. The bill contains nearly $7 billion in funding for a range of transportation projects, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Safety.
“The transportation bill passed today includes much needed funding for transportation projects throughout the north metro, including $12 million in funding for Highway 10, for Highway 65, and for the Ramsey Gateway Project,” said Senator John Hoffman. “These necessary upgrades will improve traffic flow, safety, and will create hundreds of jobs for our community. I’m proud to vote yes for this bipartisan package.”
Approximately $42.5 million in funding is included for these projects. This includes $7 million in grants to the city of Blaine for a local road intersection at 99th Avenue Northeast and marked Trunk Highway 65 and associated local road improvements.
“These improvements will provide tremendous benefits for traffic flow in Blaine, reducing congestion time and greatly improving road safety,” said Senator Jerry Newton. “Investing in our infrastructure is vital to the success of not just our communities, but for the entire state economy, as businesses across the state rely on these vital highways. This funding is a bipartisan priority that I’m happy to support.”
The bill also includes $23.5 million in funding for the Ramsey Gateway Project.
“I’m excited to think that Highway 10 through Ramsey, Anoka and Coon Rapids is one step closer to completion,” saidSenator Jim Abeler. “Adding this key funding to the project moves us one day closer to the day countless people have been working over two decades for.