On April 22, RGC Board member Loren Solberg testified before the Senate Transportation Committee in support of S. F. 3763 (Farnsworth). The bill, crafted by Senator Farnsworth, Senator Hauschild, and Senator Heintzeman supports our efforts to expand Highway 169 between Taconite and Pengilly.

As introduced, S.F. 3763 would:

• Extend the availability of the $6 million already appropriated for project planning, so that RGC can continue to collaborate with MnDOT to move the project forward.
• Allocate an additional $8 million to the project to enable construction of up to 2 miles of highway on the west end of the project area.

Given significant budget constraints, the uncertain fate of a bonding bill, and partisan deadlock in the House, this bill faces long odds to pass in 2026. However, RGC continues to work closely with Senator Farnsworth and Representative Igo to determine a path forward and lay groundwork for 2027.