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Partners celebrate Highway 10/County Rd 34 project near Perham [UPDATED]
Published 9:47am Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Updated 11:53am Wednesday, September 26, 2012Perham-area business, government leaders and state officials celebrated a uniquely funded construction project this afternoon at Perham Health. New interchange ramps at Highway 10 and Otter Tail County Road 34 near Perham opened in late August.
The interchange project was constructed as the result of a public/ private partnership through the Transportation Economic Development Program — a competitive grant program available to communities for highway improvement and public infrastructure projects that create jobs and support economic development.
“The TED program supports MnDOT’s vision of being a global leader in transportation,” said MnDOT Deputy Commissioner Bernie Arseneau. “This project stands as an example for the rest of the state of how creative partnerships and financing can work to improve transportation and benefit quality of life in communities across Minnesota.”
TED is funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Local matches were provided by the city of Perham, Otter Tail County, Perham Health, KLN Enterprises and RDO.
“The completed Perham Highway 10/County Road 34 interchange project is among the first TED success stories,” said Mark Lofthus, DEED Business and Community Development Division director said. “The project supports the creation of many well-paying construction jobs and permanent jobs at area businesses.”
In addition to the construction jobs required to build the interchange, the project will support an estimated 240 permanent, well-paying jobs at nearby businesses. The economic development provided by these jobs will support continued growth in Perham and Otter Tail County.
The entrance and exit ramps opened ahead of schedule on Aug. 31. The project also included improvements to Otter Tail County Road 34 and a bicycle/pedestrian trail.
