HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-08 Mayor Anderson joins transportation caucus INTERNATIONAL FALLS JOURNAL 3/8/2016 Mayor Anderson joins transportation caucus I Local I ifalIsjournal.com
yr rn joins transpoil"Lation caucus
JOURNAL STAFF REPORT 39 min ago (0)
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3/8/2016 Mayor Anderson joins transportation caucus I Local I ifalIsjournal.com
International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson has joined with other mayors from rea r
Minnesota and suburban communities as a member of ayoral caucus designed to give
increased visibility tot the importance o safer and better transportation infrastructure for
pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Minnesota.
Known as the Minnesota Mayor Active Transportation Caucus, the informal group was create
to help create a broader understanding oft the need for and importance o investing in quality
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure such as safer street crossings and routes to school,
sidewalks and bicycle lanes. The caucus was founded byte mayors of ochester, Apple Valley
and Frazee.
"Minnesota is likely on the cusp of in significant investments to update the state's
transportation system," sai a or Hank Ludke of Frazee in a news release.. "This is caucus is an
opportunity o make sure that not only are our dated roads and bridges rebuilt and improved,
that our communities have ter sources necessary to update and modernize infrastructure to
set the needs of e estrians and bicyclists as well ® needs that include safety, business an
economic opportunities, an of course improved health."
The caucus will serve as an informational resource for legislators from o political parties who
represent constituencies throughout Minnesota. It will also work toeducate olio a ers and
others on the transportation safety needs that exist in Minnesota's communities.
City and county leaders in Minnesota have reported a backlog of $1.3 billion in projects for
sidewalks, curb ramps, safer intersections, and bike routes. Better pedestrian and bicycle
infrastructure is viewed s essential to helping o improve s e n health in Minnesota's
communities. In 2013, 11 percent of traffic fatalities in Minnesota involved e® le who were
walking or bicycling and more than 1 ,680 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured.
"I applaud Mayor Anderson for joining is caucus. It demonstrates his concern fort the safety of
Minnesota's families," said ac el C Ilan n of e Minnesotans for Healthy Kids Coalition.
Members oft the caucus include the mayors of ochester, Frazee, Apple Malley, Eyota,
Worthington, White Bear Lake, Le Sueur, Center City, Grand Marais, Wabasha, Maplewood,
Inver Grove Heights, International Falls, Royalton, Perham, Bemidji, Granite Falls, Falcon
Heights, Owatonna, Northfield, Marshall, Hawley, Willmar, Hopkins, North Mankato, Coon
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3/8/2016 Mayor Anderson joins transportation caucus I Local I ifal I sjournal.com
Rapids, II s and Fergus Falls.
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