For Release June 15, 2020
HIGHWAY 23 COALITION 2020 UPDATE
The Highway 23 Coalition has made several key decisions. Recently, the Board of Directors for the
Highway 23 Coalition decided it would extend existing 2020 Coalition memberships through December
31, 2021. Businesses, units of government and other members would not incur a membership fee for
2021. If they have paid for 2020, they would still be a member in good standing through 2021. Donna
Boonstra, Chair of the Highway 23 Coalition, stated “In light of the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic and related closures, the Coalition felt it was prudent to offer an extended membership to
all members. The Coalition continues to be financially stable.”
Work on Highway 23 projects continues to move forward. On May 15th MnDOT District 3 opened new
access ramps at the Interstate 94/Highway 23 Interchange in Waite Park. In 2019, the Coalition
voiced its support for an improved interchange and subsequently MnDOT moved up this safety
enhancement project by a year. Similarly, design work and right-of-way activities continue for both
the North and South Gaps between Willmar and St. Cloud.
The Highway 23 Coalition reaffirms its 2020 legislative priorities for infrastructure improvements
along the Highway 23 Corridor:
• Undertaking of a four-lane feasibility study that would encompass Highway 23 from Foley to Milaca.
• Construction of a CSAH 55 Overpass that would connect to the new Interchange at Highway 23
and County Road 5 near Willmar.
• Construction of a J-Turn in the City of Waite Park at the intersection of Bel Clare Drive and Highway 23.
• Construction of a four-lane extension of Highway 23 from the City of Marshall to the City of Green Valley.
As the Minnesota legislature convenes in Special Session, the Coalition’s Board of Directors and
its Legislative Committee have been in communication with state legislators urging funding for
transportation and, in particular, the passage of a bonding bill that provides funding for critical
projects throughout the state.
Finally, the Highway 23 Coalition members continue to reach out to federal representatives. The
Coalition plans to visit Washington, D.C. this September provided they can meet with legislators
and congressional staff in
person. For more information about the Coalition, visit www.highway23coalition.
ADVOCATING FOR A 4-LANE MN HIGHWAY 23
P.O. BOX 1783 │ WILLMAR, MN 56201
mnhighway23@outlook.com │ www.highway23coalition.com
