MnDOT District 1 staff, Senator Robert Farnsworth, and RGC leadership spoke at the 2026 Range Gateway Coalition (RGC) Annual Membership Meeting to update members on the project and preview the 2027 legislative session.

Over the past several months, MnDOT District 1 has worked with regional stakeholders and coalition leadership to identify an opportunity to move the Highway 169 expansion project forward by advancing construction of two miles of highway between Taconite and Marble. MnDOT has begun scoping activities to prepare for work on this corridor segment and has identified a potential construction start date of 2030. In order to support this progress, RGC will need to work with MnDOT and the legislature to extend the availability of existing funds and seek additional funding.

RGC members also approved the 2027 dues schedule and budget as we look ahead into the coming year.