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Anoka asks for $10 million in trunk highway bonds to build Rum River pedestrian bridge
Summary
Representative Stevenson presented House File 1651, which requests $10 million in trunk-highway bonds to fund a pedestrian bridge over the Rum River in downtown Anoka. Supporters said the bridge will improve trail connectivity and pedestrian access near the social district and downtown businesses.
Representative Stevenson asked the committee to lay over House File 1651, a request for $10,000,000 in trunk-highway bonds to help pay for a pedestrian bridge across the Rum River Dam in downtown Anoka. Stevenson said the bridge is part of a larger $50 million project; the $10 million would defray the cost of the pedestrian-bridge component.
Stevenson described the location as a key trail connection adjacent to the social district and noted existing crossings are farther away and less pedestrian-friendly. Committee members asked whether funds would come from active transportation programs; Stevenson confirmed the request would be pulled from active-transportation funding sources. Several members noted the bridge could serve greenhouse-gas mitigation goals by promoting walking and active transportation.
Outcome: The committee laid House File 1651 over for possible inclusion.
Why it matters: The project would add a trail and pedestrian connection in a downtown with frequent pedestrian activity and a designated social district, improving access between attractions and reducing vehicle trips for short downtown trips.
