CONNECT GF/EGF ROADS ON SOUTH SIDE

WHEREAS, since 1991 there has been a public effort to build a roadway system south of GF/EGF; and

WHEREAS, studies justified both "Merrifield Projects" - a Red River Bridge and an I-29 Interchange; and

WHEREAS, further studies/agreement established a sequence - a new Thompson Bridge first, then a Merrifield Bridge and then a 32nd Ave Bridge - "Resolution of River Crossings Once And For All"; and

WHEREAS, the new Thompson Bridge was opened to traffic in October 2010; and

WHEREAS, in a 2012 visit with the GF Herald, Governor Dalrymple was amenable to building – “the long discussed south-end interchange(Merrifield Road) with Interstate 29”; and

HOWEVER, talk of a 47th Ave/I-29 Interchange and talk of other bridge locations has left a 'stalemate' condition in local decisions for GF/EGF roadway development; and

WHEREAS, a lack of funds is the major excuse for not moving forward with justified projects;

HOWEVER, the following news reports give encouragement to pursue possible action - “President Trump’s infrastructure initiative proposal has great promise for North Dakota". Also - " North Dakota Republican lawmakers unveiled a $280 million plan to fund infrastructure projects outside of the states Oil Patch" and

WHEREAS, there continues to be a 'stalemate' in local decisions for GF/EGF roadway development;

NOW, THEREFORE, we (as South Forks Connection Coalition advocates for the thoroughly studied recommended to be built "Merrifield Projects) are appealing to GF/EGF City Officials, Polk/GF County Officials, ND/MN DOT Officials to hold a meeting to come to consensus on a mutually beneficial roadway network for this vital Red River Valley Community, and

WHEREAS, [because GF/EGF is at the cross roads of two major US Highways (US 2 and I-29), included at this meeting should be qualified FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) representatives].