June 10 - 14, 2013

$9,833,120 in FY 2012 Disaster Relief Opportunity funds to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Mankato, Minnesota, to fund construction to raise the grade of Highway 169 above the 100-year floodplain between Mankato and St. Peter. The project will protect this essential transportation asset, allowing freight and vehicle traffic through the region’s important arteries during disasters. The highway has flooded 7 times in the last 20 years—most significantly in October 2010 and May 2011—forcing road closures and detours that crippled local businesses. This investment will help Minnesota capitalize on its competitive strengths, assist in the region’s long-term recovery efforts, and promote disaster resiliency. This investment is part of a $17,802,450 project that the grantee estimates will create 500 jobs and leverage $10 million in private investment.