Residents of Steele and Dodge Counties, and individuals across Minnesota, will have an opportunity to stress the importance of completing the Highway 14 expansion directly to the people in charge of determining which projects are worthy of funding. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently established a public comment period, which will run through February 5, during which they will seek feedback from Minnesotans about which projects should be prioritized during the next round of Corridors of Commerce funding.

State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault), the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, stressed the importance of regular citizens advocating for Highway 14 to be included.

“Highway 14 is absolutely critical to our area, and this is how we are going to get it done,” said Sen. Jasinski. “Last year I made it a top priority to deliver more money for the Corridors of Commerce program specifically to finish the highway 14 expansion; now residents of our area have to make our voices heard so those in charge know how important it is. I strongly encourage everyone in Southern Minnesota to visit the MnDOT website and tell them to make sure the Highway 14 expansion is completed during the next Corridors of Commerce round.”

Minnesotans can submit their comments by visiting the Corridors of Commerce website, clicking the link in the box marked “Project Recommendations” and filling out a simple form. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Senator Jasinski’s office at sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn or 651-296-0284.

There is $400 million set aside for Corridors of Commerce projects over the next four years.