Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bonding bill May 30, fulfilling the City of Becker’s request for $3.3 million for key infrastructure investments to the industrial park.  

 

Becker plans to make capital investments to improve transportation connections in anticipation of additional traffic due to industrial projects and future development in the Becker Industrial Park.  While Northern Metals Recycling has been the catalyst for the investment, all industrial park residents will be benefactors of these improvements.   

 

During the 2018 Minnesota Legislative session, the Becker City Council submitted a bonding request to fund capital improvements to Hancock St. So. in the city’s industrial park.  Rep. James Newberger, Sen. Andrew Mathews and Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram led the efforts for a $3.3M request.  

 

Transportation improvements will support the effective development of the city’s industrial park by creating efficient, effective and safe transportation connections to Hwy. 10, Co. Rd. 8 and I-94.

 

Future development of industrial park land will require supporting roadway systems to convey materials, products, staff and customers to and from Hwy. 10.  An intersection at Hancock St. So. and Liberty Lane will be constructed and sections of Hancock St. will be improved.  

 

A new connection between Hancock St. So. and Co. Rd. 8 will be built.  This supporting roadway will serve as a collector to connect Hwy. 10 intersections with developing industrial park sites, provide alternative routes to gain access to eastbound or westbound Hwy. 10, and will serve as an alternative for local traffic that may not need to use Hwy. 10.

 

“This is very exciting as it renews interest and activity in our industrial park,” said Mayor Bertram.  “This funding sets the pace for future industrial growth and development! I can’t wait to get this project started.” 

 

Bertram would like to congratulate the city council members on a job well done for their vision of what the industrial park will become, and their fortitude in bringing it to fruition.