Letter to the Editor, Posted: 5/20/04
To the editor:
I am disappointed by the continued delay in bringing much-needed funding for the new North Branch bridge. I know that Congressman Jim Oberstar has been working hard to bring federal dollars to our district for much needed transportation infrastructure upgrades, including the Minnesota State Highway 95 overpass in the city of North Branch.
I also believe that a few state representatives misled the residents of North Branch, suggesting they had the power to bring home millions of state dollars for local projects, such as the new bridge. Unfortunately, no bonding bill ever made it to the Governorís desk, and the North Branch bridge was noticeably absent from bonding proposals.
The consequences of the no new taxes mythology are hitting home. The no new taxes myth has meant no new roads, no new bridge, few new jobs, and no new schools or school teachers. The lack of fiscal responsibility at the legislature precluded any opportunity to bring much-needed state bonding money home to North Branch to build the new bridge.
I share Rep. Oberstarís frustration that the most realistic construction date is several years away; Iíve spoken to Congressman Oberstar about exploring opportunities for local/state/federal partnerships that could accelerate the funding timeline.
I strongly support upgrading our transportation infrastructure in Chisago County, especially the North Branch overpass. Funding and constructing the new bridge is vital for our community welfare, for local economic development, and ñ most importantly ñ for the public safety of our citizens.
Jeremy Kalin
Chisago Lakes
North Township
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