Range Gateway Coalition President and Itasca County Board Chair Casey Venema testified before the Senate Transportation Committee on February 24 in support of a bill to fund the expansion of Highway 169. S.F. 130 is authored by Senators Farnsworth, Eichorn, and Hauschild and would appropriate the estimated $150 million needed to complete the project.
Commissioner Venema testified to the history and importance of the project, and urged the committee to fulfill the promises made to the communities living along the corridor. He also highlighted the safety and efficiency concerns posed by the unfinished two-lane section and the tragedies that have occurred as a result.