The Chamber is actively engaged with MN DOT, United Taconite and other principle parties during the Highway 53 relocation project
which is due to be completed by 2017. We want to fully represent your business voice and are advocating for the best possible
relocation route based on your comments and concerns. 

Notes from the Highway 53 Project Manager (Updated Every Wednesday)

April 22, 2013

The sign-in count was 232 at MnDOT's Mt. Iron Open House.
 There were a lot of comments, and MnDot is in the process of categorizing them.
On Wednesday, 4/24 MnDOT will talk with the economic impact consultant. 
MnDOT appreciates the community participation from Monday's Open House.

April 24, 2013

       MnDot is talking with a consulting firm about performing the 
ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY for the Highway 53 project.  
The firm phoned The Chamber, and asked for assurance that we will help with 
convening meetings, providing contacts and being a resource for information.   

May 6, 2013

-The first two Highway 53 bi-weekly meetings are scheduled for Tuesday,
May 14 and 28, 10:00-11:00am, at MnDOT, Hoover Road, Virginia.
-Economic Impact Studies should begin the first part of June. Focus will be on:
Emergency services, utilities, business/retail, community and residential.
-A slide on traffic counts for the Eveleth/Virginia connection will soon be
available.

May 14, 2013

MnDOT is expecting the draft of the Econmic Impact Study by September
 and finalized by October.  

May 15, 2013

Check out more information from MnDOT:
  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/hwy53relocation/          

 Voice Your Opinion to Our Legislators

RESOLUTION TO BE SENT TO MNDOT COMMISSIONER ZELLE WITH COPIES TO GOVERNOR DAYTON, SENATORS FRANKEN AND KLOBUCHAR, AND CONGRESSMAN NOLAN.

RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S PROPOSED WESTERLY ROUTE FOR THE RELOCATION OF HIGHWAY 53

WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. xxx/ City Council of xxx is in opposition to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed westerly route, which follows Highway 37, County Road 7, and Highway 69, prior to reentering Highway 53; and

WHEREAS, the School Board/ City Council requests the Minnesota Department of Transportation to remove the westerly route as an option for the relocation of Highway 53, as the route would not be in the best interest of the school districts and communities located in the eastern Iron Range area; and

WHEREAS, the School Board / City Council of xxx believes the westerly route would compromise the safety of the students attending the school district and would have a negative financial impact on the school district, businesses, along with public health and safety; and   ADD DETAILS PERTAINING TO LOCAL COMMUNITY

WHEREAS, the School Board / City Council of xxx hereby requests the Minnesota Department of Transportation to concentrate on proposed routes M-1 and E-2 and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board / City Council of xxx hereby goes on record in opposition of the proposed westerly route to relocate Highway 53.

Letter 1:

DATE

Commissioner Charles Zelle
Minnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Blvd,
St. Paul, MN 55155-1899

Dear Commissioner Zelle:

I am writing to you in opposition to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed westerly route for Highway 53, which completely bypasses the Cities of Virginia, Eveleth and cuts off the entire East Range from the rest of the Iron Range.

We may be many cities but we are one community.  We ask you to find a route that:

• does not halt or create a hardship for local commerce by bypassing entire communities,
• does not split communities from one another,
• allows for the continued sharing of utility and emergency services, and
• provides a connective, safe, and efficient transportation system.

I respectfully request that you direct the Minnesota Department of Transportation to concentrate on proposed routes M-1 and E-2 and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE

cc:    Governor Mark Dayton
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Al Franken

Letter 2:

DATE

Commissioner Charles Zelle
Minnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Blvd,
St. Paul, MN 55155-1899

Dear Commissioner Zelle:

I am writing to you in opposition to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed westerly route for Highway 53, which completely bypasses the Cities of Virginia, Eveleth and cuts off the entire East Range from the rest of the Iron Range.

PARAGRAPH ON WHO YOU ARE AND HOW THE WESTERLY ROUTES NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOU IN TERMS OF TIME AND MONEY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE IN BUSINESS.

I respectfully request that you direct the Minnesota Department of Transportation to concentrate on proposed routes M-1 and E-2 and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE

cc:    Governor Mark Dayton
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Al Franken

See the map below of proposed routes for the new highway, and send us your comments, concerns, and preferences. 

Be assured that the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce will be your active voice during this process.

*** Please email your comments on these Highway Alternatives to: admin@laurentianchamber.org

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