In 2023, the state legislature appropriated $6 million to support preparation, engineering, and environmental analysis for the Highway 169 expansion project. This funding was later supplemented with nearly $5 million in federal funding designated for future construction.

In February, RGC met with staff from MnDOT District 1 for a progress update. Unfortunately, although this funding has been available for more than a year and a half, very little of the work funded has even begun. District 1 staff pointed to a lack of clarity between MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration as a potential roadblock. RGC leadership, including President and Itasca County Board Chair Casey Venema and Vice President and Hibbing Mayor Pete Hyduke, expressed their significant frustration with the lack of progress. They also encouraged MnDOT to collaborate with RGC going forward to address roadblocks and move towards project readiness.

Following RGC’s meeting with District 1 staff, Representative Spencer Igo and Senator Rob Farnsworth requested a meeting in St. Paul with staff from MnDOT’s central office and leadership team. That meeting, which took place last Thursday, further clarified the specific challenges identified by MnDOT that could potentially limit use of the available funds. RGC and our legislative partners are working to evaluate whether legislative action will be needed this year to address these challenges and put the project in the best position to move forward.

Regardless of these roadblocks, MnDOT has renewed its commitment to begin working on the project. Coalition members can expect regular updates and opportunities to stay engaged with that work.