“Highway 65 has at least four intersections right here in the heart of Blaine that we’re looking to improve and grade separation is really what we’re talking about,” said public works Director Jon Haukaas, “We are definitely talking bridges and that’s not a cheap proposition to do.” Right now, about 14 percent of the money needed for the construction is secured, so there’s still a long way to go. The all in cost is probably in the $160+ million dollar range. We’ve assembled grants of $20 – $25 million. We do have several requests in the current state infrastructure bill,” said Haukaas. Last week, Haukaas, along with council members Julie Jeppson and Jess Robertson took their funding request directly to Washington. “The appropriations committee at the federal level had a deadline for the request so we wanted to make sure that we got out in front of the asks,” said Blaine city council member Jess Robertson. The put a request in for about $14 million to help with the intersections at 99th Avenue and 109th Avenue. They say that the money is essential. “Everyone needs to expect a certain level of safety and that road, Trunk Highway 65, is not giving that safety,” said city council member Julie Jeppson. In the process of visiting the capitol with former Congressman Rick Nolan, the Blaine delegation had the opportunity to meet a number of lawmakers who could help Highway 65 get the funding it needs. “It was very odd actually. I think I joked a couple of times it was like watching C-SPAN in real time,” said Robertson. “To have unprecedented access through former congressman Rick Nolan to be able to shake hands with Joe Manchin and Cory Booker and other high-profile elected officials – it was an experience.” “I was just like a fan girl watching all of these [representatives]. We crossed paths with Mitt Romney in the hallway,” said Jeppson. “ it was amazing it was so cool but they’re just normal people like you and i and they want to know about how this infrastructure impacts our families how this They were able to share the story of Highway 65 and they hope it will bring positive results. “We’ve got some really good momentum to carry this across the finish line,” said Haukaas. Blaine city leaders are hosting an open house on tuesday may 24th from 4 to 7 p.m at the national sports center for anybody who wants to learn more about the future of highway 65. There’s also an online open house available for you to check out anytime at blainemn.gov/thriveon65.
infrastructure or lack of infrastructure depleting infrastructure impacts our daily lives because their roads impact their daily lives.”
BLAINE LEADERS TAKE PITCH FOR FUNDING TO FIX HIGHWAY 65 TO CAPITOL HILL
BLAINE – (May 20, 2022) – Blaine has been looking at potential new road designs for Highway 65 for a few years now – specifically looking at how to make the area from 97th Ave to 117th Ave safer while also reducing travel times.
