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March 11,2013 <br /> State Senator Carrie Ruud <br /> Senate District 10 <br /> 25 State Office Building <br /> 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. <br /> St. Paul,MN 55155 <br /> Dear Senator Ruud, <br /> We,the undersigned Mayors, strongly ask and urge your support of MnDOT's 371 <br /> Project through our Lakes Area. <br /> This project has gone through at least two rounds of heavy scrutiny by MnDOT upper <br /> staff and has survived. Clearly based upon need,not politics,the cost benefit ratio is>3.0 <br /> (very high). Highway 371 is already operating above the normal capacity of a two-lane <br /> road and summer traffic volumes nearly triple on the segment scheduled for work. <br /> Further, this segment has an average of one death and several severe crashes every year. <br /> Safety is a major factor for us. <br /> In addition,having this route be a safe and easy access to our communities is vital for the <br /> economic development of our area. Tourism is crucial,meaning we need to have people <br /> visit our area to spend their dollars. Every one of our communities has worked hard to <br /> encourage this piece of economic development. What we are also seeing are those <br /> "tourists" who decide this is the area in which they wish to retire,bringing further <br /> economic growth. <br /> For at least four years,MnDOT has assured the residents of our area that 2018 was to be <br /> the first year of construction. Previously,dates were 2011 and then 2015;now 2018. <br /> Expectations of the public are high that this road construction will go forward. We are <br /> asking your help and support to make sure this occurs. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> /C ' <br /> JoAnn Weaver Darrell Schneider J Lubke <br /> Mayor, Breezy Point Mayor,Crosslake Mayor,Jenkins <br /> 2e (idantS 91"1-1 <br /> Brian Lehman Nancy Adams Jim Sabas t / �Jt <br /> Mayor,Nisswa Mayor, Pequot Lakes Mayor,Pine River <br /> C o PY <br />