WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today announced that he has secured $10.3 million for the Sauk Rapids Bridge project, $1.5 million for the University Bridge to 15th Avenue South Project in St. Cloud, and $1.5 million for the 3rd Street North (CSAH 81) project in the cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud.
The House Transportation Committee today included specified funding for these projects in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (more commonly known as ISTEA). "I have been working closely with Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Oberstar to secure the funding for these projects," Peterson said.
"The replacement of the Sauk Rapids Bridge over the Mississippi River is one of the most critical transportation needs in the 7th District," Peterson said. "Currently, the two-lane bridge and adjacent railroad crossing cause serious congested bottlenecks. In addition, the structural condition of the existing bridge is seriously deficient. The bridge replacement will be a four-lane design with bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides, thus providing safe operational conditions and improving the traffic flow."
The $1.5 million for the University Bridge to 15th Avenue South Project is for the right-of-way cost for the project which will include the reconstruction and widening of a 0.9 mile segment of 10th Street South between the west abutment of the University Bridge and 15th Avenue South. The new roadway will be a 4-lane, divided facility.
The $1.5 million for the 3rd Street North (CSAH 81) project in Waite Park and St. Cloud will be used for the right-of-way cost to accommodate the improvement of 3rd Street North. "This is great news for the entire 7th District of Minnesota," Peterson said. "We are no longer being forgotten when it comes to making sure we have the money to improve our district infrastructure."