The recent tour of Hastings by the MN House Capital Investment Committee has left an impression that State Representative Tony Jurgens hopes will help the funding requests for the Highway 316 project, and repairs to City Hall stick in the mind of the committee members. According to a letter to the editor, Representative Jurgens stated that as the tour bus entered Hastings, it pulled over so members could see firsthand the dangers associated with the stretch of 316 that is the concern. After a welcome on the bus from Mayor Mary Fasbender, Hastings Public Works Director Nick Egger explained why the project is necessary and encouraged legislative support. After sitting at Tuttle Drive for several minutes waiting to turn left onto Highway 61, everyone on the bus understood the needs for improvements. At City Hall, the committee was treated to the same kind of impressive presentation, with City Planner Justin Fortney presenting information regarding the numerous improvements that are needed throughout the building. While securing the needed funding to complete these two projects is not a sure thing, Jurgens states that the House Capital Investment Committee has been fully briefed on these plans, and he will continue fighting for their inclusion in the House’s bonding bill that will be unveiled during the 2020 session.
