EGF still hoping to make a deal with MNDOT

A deal could be in the works to allow East Grand Forks to swap out federal “subtarget” highway dollars in 2022 for funding in 2023.

The city asked the Minnesota Department of Transportation to delay the scheduled $860,000 dollar payment to allow the reconstruction of 10th Street Northeast to be added into the MPO long range transportation plan.  The council prioritized the project over a proposed Bygland Road roundabout.

City Administrator David Murphy told council members last night (Tuesday) that Polk County could be a willing partner for swap if the dollars match up.

Mayor Steve Gander says the move gives the city more time.  “I do believe a roundabout will perform well for what we are trying to do there….prioritizing something ahead of that doesn’t mean it’s a bad project just that it’s not our number one need at this time.”

Gander says the city should continue working on all projects so they are ready to go when funding becomes available.