Angie Craig is asking for $5 million in federal funds toward long-overdue improvements to the I-35 and County Highway 50 Interchange.
By Dan Shalin, Lakeville Patch – June 3, 2022
WASHINGTON DC —Rep. Angie Craig (D-2nd-Burnsville) announced on Friday that she has submitted a request to receive over $5 million in federal funds for improvements to the Interstate-35 and County Highway 50 Interchange in Lakeville.
According to Craig’s office, the existing I-35 and County Highway interchange does not have sufficient capacity, sight distance or turn lanes, which results in delays and safety issues.
The reconstruction of the interchange would remove the constraints on County Highway 50 at I-35, improve traffic flow and safety and facilitate continued economic development, officials said.
Craig said the funds requested will be used to design a reconstruction of the interchange, and that once the design is complete, the project will be shovel-ready and eligible for grant funding.
“I’m proud to announce my submission for Dakota County to receive federal support for this important project,” Craig said. “Residents of Dakota County have been waiting a long time to replace this interchange. The $5 million in funding would improve public safety, provide economic development opportunities and create jobs here in Dakota County.”
Officials said improvements to the interchange have been talked about for years, and they have become increasingly necessary as Lakeville — currently Dakota County’s largest city —continues to grow.
“Lakeville is not only Dakota County’s fastest-growing community, but it saw the largest population increase in the Twin Cities over the past decade,” said Kathleen Gaylord, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners chair. “The proposed interchange at Interstate 35 and County Road 50 will help enhance safety and accommodate increased traffic in this growing community.”
Craig said she officially submitted a request for $5,040,000 of Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Fiscal year 2023 Appropriations process. The process allows members of Congress to request funding for up to 15 specific projects in their districts that would serve the public good.
The House Appropriations Committee has said it intends to fund these community projects on a limited basis in FY23 Appropriations bills.
According to officials, the requests most likely to be included in Appropriations bills are those that address the most significant needs in local communities or provide a significant public good.
Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson said the city has been working to replace the interchange since 2004.
“This $5 million would allow us to develop the final design plans for the reconstruction and put us one step closer toward ensuring that this interchange is effective and safe for motorists across Dakota County,” Anderson said. “We appreciate Representative Craig’s support and help in moving these projects forward.”