The expansion of Highway 14 between Owatonna and Dodge Center could finally be completed thanks to funding in the Senate Republican bonding proposal, released May 9. The proposal authorizes $174.6 million for the expansion, enough to fully fund the project that has been in discussions since the 1960s.

“We took an enormous step toward completing the Highway 14 expansion today,” said Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault), vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Everyone who lives here knows firsthand how dangerous the highway is, but for a long time it felt like we weren’t a priority for legislators in St. Paul. When I took office in 2017 I made it clear Highway 14 was the number one thing I wanted to get done for the families I represent, and I’m more optimistic than ever that the finish is in sight. This is an exciting time for residents in all of southern Minnesota.”

“Senator Jasinski has led the charge to finish Highway 14 from his first day in office,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa). “His steadfast determination to finish the Highway 14 expansion, and his persistent lobbying effort in favor of it, is a big reason why the project was fully funded in our bonding proposal.”

“I also want to thank my fellow senators for listening so intently to my concerns about the importance of this significant project,” added Senator Jasinski. “Everyone who lives in southern Minnesota has been desperate to complete this for a long time.”

Several other initiatives carried by Senator Jasinski were also included in the bonding proposal, which invests $825 million into critical infrastructure around the state:

• $8 million for Business Development Public Infrastructure grants, which provides grants to Greater Minnesota cities to encourage growth, create and retain jobs, and build their tax base.
• $60 million would be allocated for statewide local road improvement projects, as well as assistance to help improve safety by reducing severe car accidents that result in death, injury, or property damage.
• $15 million to help repair and replace local bridges across the state.
• $4.5 million for Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind in Faribault