HWY 371 Impact Statement

A recently released Environmental Impact Statement indicates no big obstacles which would stop the Highway 371 bypass project around Pequot Lakes.

The proposed project has been widely criticized by the business community which fears the loss of traffic that currently travels through town. 

Minnesota Department of Transportation Project Coordinator Jim Hallgren tells KLKS News, no environmental or business concerns were found that would stop the project.

A small portion of the expansion project is scheduled in Nisswa for 2012.  That involves moving the current stop light 15 hundred feet to the south, with the realignment of County Road 18.

The expansion from north of Nisswa to Jenkins is scheduled for 2018.  However, Hallgren indicates the availability of money could affect the future of the project.

There is a 10 day state comment period and a 30 federal comment period.  Copies of the Environmental Statement can be found at city halls and libraries of the towns affected.

Hallgren says the project could still impacted if an endangered species is found in the path of the highway.