Forest Lake adopts resolution supporting County Road 32 safety and realignment funding request

Forest Lake City Council approved a resolution of support and a draft letter asking for congressionally directed spending to help fund safety and pedestrian improvements along County State Aid Highway 32 and to buy down the city’s share of a planned Forest Road realignment.

Mark (city staff) explained the county’s request and said the application window for congressionally directed spending had recently reopened; staff prepared a resolution and letter for the county to submit before the federal portal’s near-term deadline. The county’s previously estimated project costs were described as several million dollars; staff noted the city’s share would be reduced if federal funds were awarded.

The council passed a motion to approve the resolution and the letter of support and authorized staff to sign as drafted. Councilmembers acknowledged prior public input on the proposed realignment and emphasized the need to pursue outside funding because the city lacks the funds to fully cover the local share for the project.

Staff said updated submittal timing was short because federal offices had recently reopened submissions; the council authorized the resolution and letter so the county could move forward with the application process.

Votes at a glance: Resolution approving a request for congressionally directed spending for the County State Aid Highway 32 pedestrian and safety improvement project (approved).