Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) successfully secured funding for a number of projects addressing various needs throughout Washington County.
Stillwater will receive funding for two projects. $6 million will go towards design, construction, and improvements to downtown Stillwater, St. Croix riverfront parks, and public spaces throughout the city. The funding will improve ADA accessibility in community areas, preserve historic locations, and increase road and walkway safety. The second Stillwater project funds $700 thousand for needed improvements to the Washington County Heritage Center located in Stillwater, which will allow for proper storage of local historical artifacts.
Forest Lake will also see funding for three projects. $4.5 million will address needed road and infrastructure improvements, specifically for Eureka Avenue from State Highway 97 to County Highway 32. Forest Lake will also receive $5.7 million for stormwater management and flood control and mitigation. Finally, $350 thousand will fund the construction of a veterans memorial at Lakeside Memorial Park.
Additionally, Scandia’s Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center will receive $2.2 million to preserve and rehabilitate the state’s only remaining water tower barn tank house. Lake Elmo will also receive funding necessary to renovate and equip the Civil Air Patrol hangar at the Lake Elmo Airport. Dellwood will also see $2 million in funding to address needed improvements to the Lake Links Trail.
Notably, Highway 8 also received $50 million in funding across multiple bills. This will be used to address various areas of concern: reconstruction from Karmel Avenue in Chisago City to I-35, updates to pedestrian trails and crossings, and possible lane expansion to make the road safer for travel and commerce. $20 million will also go to another high-priority road project: the interchange between Trunk Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue. The funding will be used to design and equip the intersection with a new interchange that will increase safety and alleviate traffic concerns in the area.
“These projects address various needs throughout Washington County, and I’m glad we could get this funding passed,” said Housley. “This important funding will preserve and update numerous areas throughout our communities, and will also address critical needs that make roads and buildings safer for everyone. Many of these projects have been years in the making, and local officials have teamed up with residents, legislators, and local advocacy partners to make this outcome possible. These projects will ensure that every corner of Washington County remains safe, lively, and desirable for residents and visitors to enjoy!”