02-08-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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.MINN^PPOLIS, MN USP TEL:1-612-475-0968 Feb 08'99 10:12 No.001 P.02 Editor Wcbl Central TRIBUNE Industrial Park 2208 We.st Trott Avc. Willmar, MN 56201 Feb. 8.1999 Dear Editor; The editorials in your Feb. 4^^ A 5*^ papers concerning Iligliway 12 wiirrant some important clurilication so that your readers may more fully understand the ongoing process of upgrading the highway through Orono, Long Lake, and Wayzata. First, the new corridor, with it’s designation as a “.Super Two” was actually approved by the three cities in late 19%. Having this approval described as, “outHif-lhe-blue ” and a, “revelation' comes as somewhat of a surprise. The negotiations between and among the Cities and MnD()T to arrive at this agreement were covered extensively by our local media and they were done in full view of the citizens of the three Cities. I low all that was missed in western Minnesota is unfortunate. Secondly, the next and critical phase is presently upon us. This is the approval by the three Cities and MnDOT of the Preliminary Layout. In this phase, culminating nearly two years of meetings between MnDOT, City Councils, and a thrcc-city/MnDOT Design Review Committee, construction limits, residential and business relocation issues, parkland mitigation, and other significant issues are defined. After an open house scheduled for Feb 22, MnDOT has till August 1999 to hear comments, gain ollicial Cities approval and move on to the final design. Finally, assuming the above transpires successfully, actual construction will begin in 2002 with completion, at best, in 2005. It might bt? impt»rlani to note that this schedule only rebuilds Highway 12 from Way/ata to the west edge of Orono. We appreciated Sen. Johnson ’s urging lh»4 the proicci be, “speeded up ”. We also hope Sen. Johnson and others will appreciate the extraordinary, complex issues we ore trying to come to agreement on at this very critical time. Tlic cooperation among MnDOT and our three cities has been exemplary in the last few years. Encouragement from our friends to the west will continue to be appreciated. Gabriel Jabbour Mayor, City of Orono Jume.s Murphy Orono citizen member l)e.sign Review Committee cc. Mayor Bash, Long Lake Sen. Cen Olson Sen. Dean Johnson I