The push to upgrade a major thoroughfare in southern Minnesota continues, with members of the Highway 14 Partnership meeting in Owatonna last week to discuss the legislature’s actions and chart a course forward. Lobbyist Carolyn Jackson says they didn’t get the higher level of funding needed but can’t be totally disappointed because there was progress:

Jackson says expanding Highway 14 is long overdue and the need will only increase over time. In addition to safety concerns, communities along the corridor fear they’ll miss out on economic development opportunities.