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 Otter Tail County, Fergus Falls and Aurdal Township projects will receive $2.2 million in total funding.

As Otter Tail County sought funding through the LRIP, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) worked closely with MnDOT and wrote letters of recommendation in support of the projects.

“I am grateful to see the latest round of the Local Road Improvement Program include two important projects in Otter Tail County,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “As our community grows and local infrastructure ages, we need to update our infrastructure to accommodate our growth and ensure the safety of motorists. I will continue to partner with state and community officials to deliver for the needs of our district.”

In Fergus Falls, the $790,000 grant will go towards the Friberg Avenue & Fir Avenue roundabout. The Friberg Avenue and Fir Avenue intersection in Fergus Falls has been experiencing issues due to increasing traffic. Therefore, the county and city partnered to develop a roundabout design for the intersection and a pedestrian trail connection along the north side of Fir Avenue to County Road 111. The LRIP grant will help fund both the roundabout and pedestrian trail projects.

“We thank Senator Rasmusson and the Minnesota Department of Transportation for recognizing the regional significance of these investments,” Kurt Mortenson, Otter Tail County board commissioner, said. “Otter Tail County looks forward to the city and township infrastructure improvements for their communities.”

Additionally, Aurdal Township will receive $1,449,583 through the LRIP, and this funding will go towards improving Aurdal River Road and Sophus Anderson Road.

“This project will fund a complete rehabilitation of the paved portion of the Sophus Anderson Road and harden the gravel surface, install safety measures and repair erosion on the Aurdal River Road,” Kevin Brennan, an Aurdal Town Board member, shared. “This funding was the result of a well-documented need and support from Area Businesses, our Representatives in the Legislature, Otter Tail County, the City of Fergus Falls and other Community Officials.”

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