Back on the MnDOT map

A very successful and well attended Regional Freight Transportation Study hearing in Marshall yesterday. Our chamber's transportation committee was instrumental all along the way.

First, they formally and agressively asked MnDOT, in partnership with the SW Development Commission, to hold a Freight Stakeholder Forum in our community. We weren't on the original schedule, so kudos to MnDOT for saying yes to our request.

The other key component was getting a good turnout. One MnDOT official said that it was "staggering that so many people are here!" Over 40 industry folks showed up to share their concerns and priorities about moving freight, from, to, and through our region.

Interesting that the current study has a western (Minnesota) focus from the Candian border to I-90 and from the SD and ND borders east for about 100 miles. That's a big chunk of territory.

Not all roads lead to the Cities

One MnDOT power point slide identified Highways 32 and 59 as having "Major Truck Highway Designation." When questioned about this, the state officials noted that the designation was for the part of the study area north of Detroit Lakes to the Candian Border. Once again focus on the part of the state agency was traffic flowing from rural Minnesota to Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Thanks to the 40+ attendees, I believe we opened the eyes of a few MnDOT officials that freight and traffic flows in every direction, and most importantly for our region, we need to place Highway 23 on the priority list for improvements and upgrades.

That's my opinion. How about yours?