The Minnesota Senate on Thursday approved a comprehensive, bipartisan transportation budget that invests billions over the next two years in the state’s transportation infrastructure. Included in this omnibus bill is legislation authored by Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) that issues appropriation bonds for the Scott County Interchange Project.

Language included appropriates $2.5 million in bonds for Scott County to complete the preliminary and final design, documentation, and construction for an interchange at the intersections of Highway 169, Highway 282, and State Highway 9.

“The spot of the proposed project is currently the last signaled interchange on 169 between Anoka County and Mankato, and it’s located in a corridor of commerce where a large portion of the state’s agricultural products make their way to processing plants throughout Minnesota,” said Sen. Pratt. “This project will be beneficial to many travelers, distributors, and shippers, as thousands of Minnesotans frequent the current signaled interchange every day. This key funding is necessary to make the proposed interchange area safer and more viable for travelers and critical commerce. I’m very happy to see this important project factored into the Transportation budget.”