With transportation funding from the federal stimulus package now available, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Thursday 60 state highway projects, including at least three in Mower County, that are slated to begin construction in Greater Minnesota as early as this spring. Stimulus funds targeted for the Greater Minnesota highway construction, paving, bridge and safety projects totals $180 million.

In southeast Minnesota, Mn/DOT District 6, the stimulus projects include:

Interstate 90 (Olmsted and Mower Counties) — Mill and overlay on eastbound lanes from 2.5 miles east of Mower County Road 1 to about one mile east of Hwy. 63

Interstate 90 (Mower County) — Replace overpass under the I-90 westbound off-ramp near the junction of Highway 218 (Austin). This project will be staged with Turtle Creek and Dobbin Creek replacements currently in 2009 regular construction season.

Highway 218 (Mower County) — nstall four railroad gates at crossing on Highway 218 about a mile and a half north of Austin.

Interstate 90 (Freeborn County) — Overlay on westbound lanes and a concrete overlay on eastbound lanes from the west limits of Alden to Highway 13.

State Rep. Jeanne Poppe welcomed the news that Mower County will receive funding for projects: $3 million for bridge 9176 over Interstate 90, expected to begin in June, and $364,000 to install a four-gate system on Highway 218, which will begin in September.

“These projects will bring new jobs and economic benefits to our area at a time when they are desperately needed,” Poppe said. “I’ll continue to work with Congressman (Jim) Oberstar, Mn/DOT, and the State of Minnesota to make sure these projects move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

According to Poppe, the 61 Greater Minnesota projects were selected based on project readiness, statewide coverage and project advancement, among others. Stimulus funds targeted for Greater Minnesota total $180 million and will create an estimated 5,000 jobs. Most project costs will be covered 100 percent by the federal funds, with no state match required.

“I am very grateful that President Obama and the members of Congress — especially our Minnesota delegation — streamlined the process so these critical projects can be started so quickly,” Poppe said. “They represent just the beginning of the economic recovery we can expect as a result of this new law.”

Contractors for the first round of projects will be selected March 13, with work to begin in May. District 6 has six of the 11 projects slated to be awarded during the first round with an additional four project lettings to follow. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the Greater Minnesota transportation projects will create approximately 5,000 jobs. Projects in the Twin Cities metro area are being finalized and will be announced in March.

“Our district’s goal is to ensure that our share of the federal stimulus funds is used efficiently and effectively,” said Mn/DOT District 6 Transportation Engineer Nelrae Succio. “We appreciate the support of our local partners and stakeholders.”

Minnesota is expected to receive more than $596 million for state and local highway and transit projects over the next two years as a result of the federal legislation. Approximately 30 percent of the highway funds are available for local units of government and the remaining 70 percent is for projects identified by Mn/DOT to meet the goal of the federal legislation to create jobs and improve the nation’s infrastructure. The bulk of the money will go for roads and bridges, with half of the funds targeted for projects that must start within 120 days.

Mn/DOT used the following criteria in selecting the 60 Greater Minnesota projects: Project readiness is assessed based on status of environmental review, percent of right of way purchased, etc.

Consistency with performance based plans. Mn/DOT prioritized projects identified within the State Transportation Improvement Program or from the Long Range District Plans. Statewide coverage. In order to create jobs statewide, Mn/DOT worked to ensure that the projects selected provide statewide coverage, job and transportation impact.

Work type balance. Selecting a variety of project types, such as concrete and bituminous or preservation and safety will best use the entire capacity of Minnesota’s highway construction industry to ensure the best possible project prices, efficient program delivery and job creation.

Project advancement. Projects already funded in FY2009 will not be included in the Economic Recovery Program. The planned construction schedule for a project must be advanced to be included in the Economic Recovery Program. In addition, work must start on projects immediately after letting and contract award. This will ensure the projects represent new or increased work and, therefore, result in job creation.

These projects are in addition to the usual annual list of projects that Mn/DOT unveils each spring.

More information is available on Mn/DOT’s Web site at www.mndot.gov.