Minnesota Legislative Leaders Visit Owatonna

Legislative leaders gathered in Owatonna this morning to discuss the need for a special session to pass a bonding bill that includes $700 million in transportation funding to fix key projects like Highway 14.

Calling upon Gov. Mark Dayton to call that special session were House Speaker Kurt Daudt, House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, Rep. John Petersburg, Rep. Peggy Bennett, state Sen. Vicki Jensen and Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz. Kuntz pointed out that the Highway 14 partnership has been working since the mid '70s for improvements to Highway 14.

Also in attendance were Rep. Brian Daniels, Rep. Nels Pierson, Rep. Duane Quam and local officials and supporters of Highway 14.

The bonding bill of $700 million that came so close to passing included $85 million for Highway 14 improvements. The 12 mile stretch from Owatonna to Dodge Center would receive $45 million to expand to four lanes and the 12 mile stretch from New Ulm to Nicollet stretch would receive $40 million fo right of way acquisition.

The governor has indicated he may call a special session, but not in the next few days.