Senate Capital Investment Committee visits New Ulm, Courtland

New Ulm Police Chief Dave Borchert talks about his firsthand experience responding to head-on collisions on Highway 14.

New Ulm Police Chief Dave Borchert talks about his firsthand experience responding to head-on collisions on Highway 14.

On Oct. 23, members of the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee began their day by learning about Highway 14 expansion.

Committee members took a bus tour of Highway 14 between New Ulm and Courtland before returning to New Ulm City Hall for a presentation about the project. The presentation was led by New Ulm City Planner John Knisley, with input from Courtland Mayor Al Poehler, New Ulm Police Chief Dave Borchert, and Fire Chief Paul Macho. MnDOT District 7 Assistant District Engineer Zak Tess also helped inform the committee on project details, including the intended alignment, design elements, and cost estimates for construction.

As Highway 14 Partnership members are aware, Nicollet to New Ulm expansion is currently being considered for a federal BUILD Grant that—combined with state commitments—would fully fund the expansion project. BUILD Grant awards will be announced by U.S. DOT by Nov. 12, but in the event we are unsuccessful in pursuing federal funding, we will need the Minnesota Legislature’s full support to finish the project. With the Legislature expected to consider a significant bonding proposal in 2020, this committee could play a key role in finishing Highway 14.

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