Just before midnight on May 17, the Minnesota Legislature approved the 2026 infrastructure package, which funds road, water, and critical infrastructure improvements across the state. Sen. Torrey Westrom announced that the bill includes funding for key road, clean water, and local infrastructure projects across west central Minnesota.

“We worked hard to make sure projects across west central Minnesota were included in this year’s infrastructure package,” said Sen. Torrey Westrom. “These investments reflect our local needs – from updates to local roads to sewer water treatment systems – and will improve infrastructure Minnesotans rely on every day.”

The package includes funding for the following local projects:

• $1.5 million for a new interchange in Alexandria at I-94 and Douglas County State-Aid Highway 17
• $6 million for replacement and improvements to the bridge and interchange at I-94 and 1st Avenue in Freeport
• $5 million for improvements to the ‘elevator road’ in Glenwood
• $5 million for improvements to the Alexandria Lake Area Sanitary District (ALASD) regional water reclamation facility
• $4 million for Alexandria Technical and Community College to make improvements to campus facilities
• $500,000 for West Central Dental Resources to support expansion of their critical access dental clinic

Douglas County – I-94 Interchange: $1.5 million

Douglas County will receive $1.5 million for preliminary engineering and final design work on the local road components of a new interchange at I-94 and Douglas County State-Aid Highway 17. Funding may also support related improvements, including pedestrian safety, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure. 

Freeport – I-94 Interchange: $6 million

The city of Freeport is receiving $6 million for replacement and improvements to the I-94 and 1st Avenue bridge interchange area. The current design raises serious concerns, including limited visibility of oncoming traffic for motorists and pedestrian safety issues when crossing the bridge.

The improvements are timely as they coincide with the reconstruction of I-94, which is anticipated to happen by 2030. The funding will support design, engineering, permitting, demolition of the existing bridge, and construction of a new interchange and related infrastructure, including pedestrian and utility improvements.

Pope County – 210th Avenue: $5 million

Pope County will receive $5 million for improvements to 210th Avenue between Trunk Highway 28 and Pope County State-Aid Highway 28, otherwise known as the ‘elevator road’ by locals. With lots of local farmer truck traffic, this improvement has been talked about for years by local officials.

Sen. Torrey Westrom, Rep. Paul Anderson, and Rep. Mary Franson successfully secured funding for the project in collaboration with local officials. The funding may be used for right-of-way acquisition, design, reconstruction, and construction in coordination with the city of Glenwood, Glenwood Township, and Leven Township.

Alexandria Lake Area Sanitary District’s Reclamation Facility: $5 million

The bill provides $5 million to support Phase Two improvements at the Alexandria Lake Area Sanitary District’s regional water reclamation facility. The upgrades will increase to a higher standard of treatment before discharge and expand the plant capacity, which strengthens long-term clean water infrastructure for the region.

Many of the new treatment requirements are driven by increased environmental standards from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, resulting in a more than $80 million expansion project. In addition to $5 million in dedicated funding for the regional project, ALASD may be eligible for up to $12 million through the Public Finance Authority’s Point Source Implementation Grants, which are supported by the bonding bill’s $56 million investment in statewide water and wastewater infrastructure programs.

Alexandria Technical and Community College: $4 million

$4 million is also allocated to improve campus facilities at Alexandria Technical and Community College. Planned work includes renovating a former transportation building for new programming and student space, along with major system upgrades such as heating, cooling, and exterior improvements.

Improvements to the college have been a longtime priority for Sen. Westrom, in collaboration with Rep. Franson, over multiple legislative sessions.

Alexandria – West Central Dental Resources: $500,000

Finally, $500,000 in funding will support the expansion of a critical access dental clinic in Alexandria by helping equip and furnish the facility. The expanded clinic will increase access to local dental care across the region, especially for Minnesotans with Medicaid coverage.