Highway 14: House Transportation Finance Committee Hearing

Administrator David Berg, Mayo Clinic
Health System - Owatonna (left) and President David Albrecht, Owatonna Hospital
(middle) testified on behalf of HF 210,
Representative Kathy Brynaert of Mankato (right). 

The Highway 14 Partnership had another FANTASTIC committee hearing today in the House Transportation Finance Committee, where H.F. 210 was before the committee.  Chief-authored by Rep. Kathy Brynaert of Mankato, this bill provides the funding for completing the two unfinished segments of Highway 14.  

Rep. Brynaert has done a wonderful job and we also owe our testifiers a great deal of thanks for delivering such a compelling presentation:

• Les Abraham- President, U.S. Highway 14 Partnership
• Dave Albrecht- President, Owatonna Hospital
• Dave Berg-Administrator, Mayo Health Clinic System-Owatonna
• Beth Hodgman- West Concord
• Audra Shaneman- President/CEO, New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce
• Jonathan Zierdt- President/CEO, Greater Mankato Growth

Les Abraham recounted how a 1968 newspaper article promised Highway 14’s completion within twenty years.  Dave Albrecht highlighted the hospital’s concerns with transporting patients on Highway 14.  Dave Berg discussed the concerns Highway 14 presents in recruiting medical professionals.  Beth Hodgman bravely discussed the loss of her husband Scott on Highway 14 in November 2012.  Audra Shaneman provided detailed information on the impact of Highway 14 on New Ulm’s economy.  Jonathan Zierdt discussed the regional economic and population growth and the necessity of having the infrastructure to support it.

The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a House transportation finance omnibus bill.