Minnesota Awards $76.2M for Statewide Transportation Projects

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has awarded $76.2 million for more than two dozen transportation projects across Minnesota. These funds are intended to improve freight options, enhance travel time reliability, and support economic development statewide.

The grants were distributed through three competitive programs: the Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP), the Transportation Economic Development (TED) Program, and the Corridors of Commerce Readiness Advancement Program. These programs collectively aim to fund transportation projects that improve freight safety, access, mobility, and first and last mile connections, while also addressing railroads and intermodal facilities.

MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger stated that infrastructure investments in Minnesota assist people in reaching their destinations safely. She added that these investments help businesses grow and make local communities attractive to companies seeking to relocate or expand. Daubenberger confirmed that safety is a guiding principle in funding decisions, and these projects will serve the state for decades.

Projects in the Twin Cities Metro Area include $10 million for Burnsville and $7.9 million for Savage for Highway 13 Corridor improvements. Elko New Market received $7 million for the I-35/Scott County Road 2 Interchange Reconstruction Project. Dakota County was awarded $7 million for I-35/Dakota County Roads 50 and 5 Interchange Reconstruction, and an additional $3.85 million to expand Dakota County Road 46.

Greater Minnesota projects include $4.9 million for Two Harbors for the Highway 61 Corridor Project and $2.7 million for Meeker County for Highway 12 and Meeker County Road 34 improvements. MnDOT District 6 received $10 million for the I-35/I-90 Interchange Freight Safety and Mobility Project. Other recipients include MnDOT District 8 ($5.2 million), MnDOT District 4 ($2 million), Cloquet Terminal Railroad ($1.9 million), and the City of Saint James ($518,000).

Additionally, $2.4 million from the Minnesota Highway Freight Program will update district and statewide freight plans. The Corridors of Commerce Readiness Advancement Program will fund planning and predesign for future projects, with recipients including Maple Grove ($2.5 million), Anoka County ($2 million), Elk River ($1.6 million), St. Cloud Area Planning Organization ($1.5 million), and Olmsted County ($1.3 million).

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.