by Dennis Dalman
A joint-powers agreement was approved by the Sartell City Council at its Feb. 14 meeting that would make possible a reconstruction of Town Line Road in west Sartell.
As that road experienced a rapid increase in use by motorists in recent years, a need for improving it became more urgent, but a funding source was always lacking.
Recently, however, Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) said he would be glad to put a funding “earmark” for the project in a legislative bill if the jurisdictions of the roadway area would agree to work together.
There are five jurisdictions in that area, with parts of the five-mile long road that runs north and south in Stearns County; the townships of Brockway, LeSauk, St. Wendel; and Sartell. About one-third of the road is within Sartell city limits. The road stretches from where the Sartell city compost site is located to the city limits of St. Stephen.
The joint-powers agreement approved by all jurisdictions will ensure they will all work together to determine respective cost sharing.
The cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million. That amount, as proposed by Sen.Howe, is expected to cover all costs for the project, but if it’s not enough, the joint-powers agreement will allow the jurisdictions to share any uncovered costs.
Town Line Road is located between CSAH 4 and the St. Stephen city limits. The portion of it in Brockway Township is 75th Avenue. It is also known as 30th Avenue in Sartell and in the townships of LeSauk and St. Wendel. Stearns County would be the contract administrator for the project.
If the state money is approved, the project could begin as weather warms up this year.
