Lobbying group wants roads improved to help businesses

Goodhue County business owners looking to expand could get help from a state lobbying organization seeking money for road improvements that directly impact businesses.

The Minnesota Transportation Alliance is trying to promote a bonding program to state legislators that will fund upgrades to county roads unable to carry 10-ton loads.

Many area roads cannot carry large trucks year round - or at all - limiting some rural businesses from expanding, Goodhue County Public Works Director Greg Isakson said.

So Isakson wants area businesses owners to contact him with examples of how a weak county highway is hurting economic growth or how an improved road would help a business flourish.

"We want to help your business succeed," Isakson said.

Isakson said any money included this year in the state's bonding bill will not be enough to fix ailing county roads across the state.

He said the transportation alliance's push for funding will "connect the dots, so to speak."

"It will try to fill some of those gaps," Isakson said.

One of those gaps exists in Pine Island, said Karen Doll, Pine Island Economic Development Authority director.

Doll told Isakson last week at the county's Economic Development Authority summit there is a road needing upgrades in Pine Island that will eventually connect the city to the future Elk Run development.

Contact Isakson at greg.isakson@co.goodhue.mn.us or at (651) 385-3025 for more information.

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