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Highway 61 reconstruction in Hastings estimated at $64M; project is underfunded by roughly $30M
Summary
Project manager Robert Jones said the most recent construction estimate is $64 million; after subtracting identified funding sources (city utilities, Met Council reimbursement and ADA grants) about $52 million remains for construction and the project is less than half funded, leaving an estimated $30 million gap. MnDOT and city staff said they will pursue grants and may phase work.
Robert Jones presented updated cost estimates and financing status for the Highway 61 reconstruction, saying the project estimate has risen to $64,000,000. "We're at 64,000,000," Jones told attendees, then walked through deductions for utilities and other reimbursements that reduce the near‑term construction ask.
Jones said the team has subtracted roughly $4,000,000 in city utility costs, $5,000,000 expected from Met Council for deep sewer work and roughly $3,000,000 in ADA funding to arrive at a construction remainder near earlier projections. Even so, he said, "We're still underfunded. We're less than 0.5 funded" and the program currently faces approximately a $30,000,000 funding gap.
Staff described several next steps: reapply for federal competitive grants, pursue smaller informational grants for pocket funding, consider phasing or scaling back the scope, and use CMGC early work packages to complete limited early construction if funding allows. The team reiterated the schedule: 60% design in November, 100% plans next September and letting (advertisement) in January 2028.
