1b. Update on TH 212 Funding ICS
I JIM RAMSTAD
THIRD DISTRICT, MINNESOTA 11 4 I C �JVA.c""'� 4
1V. 1��. t
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ` s= WASHINGTON OFFICE
1r'"»IIIIII�,. 504 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
I SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE " �� WASHINGTON,DC 20515
(202)225-2871
SEL COMMITTEE ON
NARCOTICS CE ABUSE AND CONTROL Qongres of tlje niteb 'tateg DISTRICT OFFICE
II DISABILITIES TASK FORCE 8120 PENN AVENUE SOUTH,#152
COCHAIRMAN jouge of 3epregentatibe5 BLOOMINGTON,MN 55431
(6 1 2)881-4600
II November 8, 1991
if}.(a9 tngton, Dec 20515
IMayor Donald J. Chmiel
City of Chanhassen
690 Coulter Drive
1 P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
II Dear Donald:
Knowing of your interest in the new U.S. Highway 212, I wanted to
give you an update on the status of legislation affecting this vital
Itransportation project.
I am very pleased to inform you that the House of Representatives has
I passed a transportation bill, which I strongly supported, that
includes $8.7 million in federal funding for the new U.S. highway
212 .
IHighway 212 is a high priority item for the residents of Eden Prairie
and Carver County, and I was pleased to see the House pass this
legislation. The bill will now be sent to a House-Senate conference
I committee to resolve the differences between the House and Senate
bills.
I You can rest assured of my continued support for this vital
transportation project, and I will continue to keep you updated on
its status.
II S'n erely,
IJIM STAD
Member of Congress
I JR:ep
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IIPRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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IInked States
ofA Met ira PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF TF1E 102 CON(,ItIiSS, FIRST SESSION i
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Vol. 137 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, IT)I No. 151
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1-louse of Representatives
tiAvi.dutit a'Inv of Thursday.Sevlembrr 19, 19911
Mr. FIAMSTAD.Mr.Chairman,I rise in sup- '
port of H.R. 2950, the Intermodel Surface
Transportation Infrastructure Act of 1991
I am pleased first the committee included
funding for two vitally Important transportation
projects In Minnesota.
The first is the Bloomington Ferry Bridge.
which ranks as Minnesota's highest priority
river crossing. The Bloomington Ferry Bridge
spans the Minnesota River and links Eden
Prairie, Bloomington, and Shakopee; three of I
Minnesota's fastest growing cities which are
located in one bf the State's fastest growing
areas.
Designed almost 100 years ego, the bridge
was originally intended to support relatively
sparsely populated areas. But as the suburbs
have grown. the role of the bridge has grown
into one of the most vital links between
14,500 daily suburban and outstate commut-
ers and the Twin Cities. I
Unfortunately, while the traffic stream has
grown dramatically,the condition of the bridge
has dramatically declined. In 1977,the bridge
was severely damaged by a barge. A tempo-
rary bridge was then put In it's place.
I
However, that temporary bridge has proven
terribly unreliable and inadequate. Almost
every spring, the bridge floods out and com-
muters attempting to cross the bridge are
forced to travel miles to two other already -
I
clogged arteries into the city.Unlike highways,
there are no side roads or streets when
bridges are involved. When the bridge is
. forced to close,there is simply no easy alter.
native for commuters.
I
The need for replacing this bridge Is clear
and obvious.The suburban communities have
been forced to suffer year after year,as their
communities increase in population and the
bridge continues to deteriorate.
I
Second. I'm also pleased that the commit-
tee included funding for the new Highway 212,
a high priority Item to the residents of Eden
Prairie. Chanhassen, and Chaska. This new
F four-lane limited access expressway is needed 111 yam` to connect rural Minnesota and the met,opoli.
tan area to relieve the existing heavy traffic
burden in these suburbs.Currently southwest.
ern Minnesota Is the only region of the State
not connected to the Twin Cities by a four-
I
lane road. A new Highway 212 would ease
traffic congestion, and Improve safety and
access.
In eddrtron, because agriculture is the pri-
mary industry in Minnesota,it is vital and nec- ,
essary to have good highways to get agricul-
tural products and produce to principal mar-
kets,which are located in the Twin Cities and
the eastern part of Minnesota. For these rea-
sons. Highway 212 is designated as a heavy- ,
truck artery in the Minnesota highway con-
struction program and is essential to ensure a
safe and efficient transportation system.
Again. I want to thank the chairman and
ranking member of the Public Works and I
Transportation Committee for their leadership
cn this legislation and for recognizing the im-
portance of these two projects.
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