Representative Terry Morrow received a letter on Monday from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Thomas K. Sorel committing the department to completing the final environmental impact studies for Highway 14. A final EIS is necessary before purchasing right-of-way and taking other steps toward expansion of Highway 14 from a two-lane to a four-lane highway. MnDOT’s commitment came after Representative Morrow brought a bill in the 2009 legislative session to require that MnDOT complete the studies.

MnDOT’s commitment to completing the Highway 14 studies is a tremendous step forward. We worked on this Highway 14 issue throughout the winter and spring this year, trying to figure out a solution that would finally complete the EIS while still respecting MnDOT’s ability to set transportation plans. On behalf of everyone in my district and those who use Highway 14, I thank Commissioner Sorel for his understanding of this project’s importance to the safety and economy of Southern Minnesota.

MnDOT will hold a public open house on the environmental impact study (EIS) for the North Mankato-New Ulm segment of Highway 14 in August or September. The goal is to have the final EIS approval occur by December 2010.

Commissioner Sorel states that Highway 14 is an important inter-regional corridor for Minnesota and that MnDOT places a ‘high priority’ on its completion. I am very, very thankful to the many people who have worked to move this project forward.

MnDOT has created a weblink so that the public can follow the progress on Highway 14 projects. The weblink address is: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/14newulmtonmankato/

In addition to pursuing the Highway 14 EIS completion, Representative Morrow has worked with MnDOT District 7 Engineer James Swanson and others to bring about safety improvements until a four-lane expansion can be funded. Recently, MnDOT confirmed that it will undertake safety improvements along Highway 14 this summer between North Mankato and Nicollet. These safety improvements include lighting at several intersections, centerline rumble strips, and road restriping.

“Until we can secure the funding for the four-lane expansion, Minnesota needs to do all that it reasonably can to make Highway 14 safe,” Morrow said.