Congressman Mark Kennedy Presents $4 Million to Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Projects

Rockford, MN – Congressman Mark Kennedy attended the recent Highway 55 Corridor Coalition meeting to present a check to the Coalition in the amount of $4.0 Million for transportation and environmental studies, right-of-way preservation and safety improvement projects on TH 55 between I494 in Plymouth and Annandale.

“Washington, D.C. likes to encourage such cost saving efforts,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I’m pleased that four years of hard work has paid off. One of my top priorities since coming to Congress has been to make sure our transportation projects get funding they need. This is a starting point for significant transportation improvements.”

This funding came out of the recently passed highway bill that was signed into law by President Bush. On hand to receive the money were Hennepin County Commissioner Penny Steele, Wright County Commissioners Jack Russek and Karla Heeter, Independence Mayor Marvin Johnson, Corinna Township Supervisor Ken Jude,Hennepin County Engineer Jim Grube, Wright County Engineer Wayne Fingalson, Plymouth Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Annandale City Administrator Mark Casey, Rockford City Administrator Nancy Carswell and City of Buffalo Engineering Technician Jeff Swenson.

“I’ve received input from people across the Sixth as the process moved forward, and I am happy with the outcome so far given our difficult budget times,” said Congressman Kennedy. “All Minnesotans should spend less time stuck in traffic and away from our families. This funding helps us meet that goal.”

As to the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition, Congressman Kennedy stated “Some groups get together to solve a problem. The Highway 55 Coalition is such a group that will benefit the next generation. We can and we are making a difference. With congestion going to increase, we have to plan ahead and that is why I am so proud to be a part of the Coalition that is planning this out so we can address the growth and congestion before it becomes worse. I praise the cooperation between Hennepin and Wright Counties and communities in working to address Highway 55.”