Below is Terry’s letter to MnDOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel regarding Highway 14 federal funds (November 12, 2009):

Dear Commissioner Sorel:

I write to express my deep concern regarding an apparent failure at MnDOT to utilize federal funds secured for work along Highway 14.  Please reference Congressman Tim Walz’s letter to you dated November 10, 2009.  The letter details the Congressman’s work in securing approximately $315,000 in July 2008 for the North Mankato-New Ulm section of Highway 14.  U.S. DOT confirms that the funding did exist and was allocated to Minnesota in FY 2008.I request that MnDOT take all necessary steps as soon as possible to recover the $315,000 in federal funding.  I also ask to be kept informed as the funding is recovered and on MnDOT’s plans for its prompt use.

I have positively commented upon MnDOT’s leadership and its efforts to create a sound plan for multi-modal transportation.  At the same time, I trust that my very strong frustration upon hearing this news about unused Highway 14 funding is appreciated and understood at MnDOT. 

My constituents and other Minnesotans are aggravated and discouraged by the continuing lack of progress on Highway 14 between North Mankato and New Ulm, where endemic safety worries do not seem to be adequately addressed by P3 or other innovative funding plans.  I do not disparage the attempts to leverage funds.  But MnDOT has not yet explained how it will address transportation needs where safety and not economic development is the primary concern.

I look forward to working with you to resolve this immediate concern, to craft a meaningful plan for improving Highway 14, and to creating a coherent plan for Minnesota’s transportation needs.

Sincerely,

Terry Morrow

State Representative