The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently announced the latest recipients of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). This state program provides funding assistance to local agencies for construction, reconstruction or reconditioning projects. In Grant County, a County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 project will receive a $1,434,000 million grant.

As Grant County sought funding through the LRIP, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) worked closely with MnDOT and wrote a letter of recommendation in support of the project.

“CSAH 5 is a crucial route for commercial and agricultural industries, local businesses and public travel,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “I appreciate the latest round of the Local Road Improvement Program including this important Grant County infrastructure project. I will continue to collaborate with state and local officials as we address the needs of our community.”

This grant will help fund a project fixing the CSAH 5 connection to Truck Highway 55 and creating a safer intersection for truck traffic and local travelers. This intersection currently has safety concerns for drivers trying to enter MN TH 55 because of the severe angle.

“This project has been a point of discussion and concern for quite a long time,” Ken Johnson, chair of the Grant County Board, said. “With the additional grain truck traffic being experienced, as well as the general public safety, the need to upgrade this road and crossing on CSAH 5 and State Highway 55 is very important.”

Resurfacing the entire roadway from MN TH 27 to MN TH 55 will also provide safer conditions, and creating sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements will improve walkability for residents.

“We are pleased to have been awarded the Local Road Improvement Program grant of $1,434,000.  The impact of this project will be experienced by local businesses, community members and our local farmers hauling grain. We appreciate the support from Sen. Jordan Rasmusson and all the community members who sent letters of support for this project. We look forward to working with the MN Department of Transportation, the City of Hoffman and Land Township, the railroad and our business partners as we move forward on this project,” Johnson added.

For more information on the LRIP, please visit: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/lrip.html