Mayor Steffenson honored for decades-long advocacy as TH610 project completes

Maple Grove on Nov. 17 held a presentation recognizing Mayor Mark Steffenson for his long-term leadership in advancing the TH610 corridor, marked this week by a ribbon cutting for the project’s final segment.

Dave Bartholomay, president of the North Metro Mayors Association and mayor of Circle Pines, told the council the legislature first authorized TH610 in 1975 and that mayors working across jurisdictions collaborated for decades to complete the roadway. Bartholomay said hundreds of people contributed to the project but singled out Mayor Steffenson for “decades of consistency, determination and leadership.” A round of applause followed.

Steve Bott of the I‑94 Coalition congratulated Steffenson and called the corridor’s completion a regional benefit. Councilmember Rachelle Johnson presented a commemorative TH610 plaque and City Administrator Heidi Nelson presented an official TH610 road sign and a desk plaque. Mayor Steffenson said the recognition was “a complete surprise” and thanked staff and the council while acknowledging many partners, including former Brooklyn Park mayor Steve Lampi. Councilmember Kristy Janigo called the project Steffenson’s “cathedral project” and noted his long service to secure county, state and federal funding.

No formal council action resulted from the presentation; the event was recorded as an official acknowledgment of the mayor’s role in the multi‑decade effort to finish TH610.