11 Minnesota highway projects to clear congestion

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (KMSP) - Eleven Minnesota communities are slated to receive $32 million in grant money aimed at clearing highway congestion and improving infrastructure in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro.

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle, state lawmakers and local officials announced where that money is going at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. The funding was awarded under the state’s Transportation Economic Development Program (TED).

Projects received federal funds under the Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation Process, but TED dollars are generally the last piece of funding needed to move each of the recommended projects toward letting. Construction lettings are scheduled between 2016 and 2018.

Map: Greater Minnesota projects - http://www.mn.gov/gov-stat/pdf/2016_01_05_ted2016-statewide.pdf

Map: Metro area - http://www.mn.gov/gov-stat/pdf/2016_01_05_ted2016-metro.pdf