Charting St. Cloud’s Course: Help Shape the City’s Traffic Improvements for the Next Four Years

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud Area Planning Organization wants your two cents on future traffic improvement projects around the city.

The APO is responsible for developing a Transportation Improvement Program document for projects needing federal funds in the next four years.

The organization will be gauging the public’s thoughts about delaying the start of the environmental review for a proposed Mississippi River bridge connecting the intersection of 33rd Street South and County Highway 75 to Highway 10. The project was originally intended to start this year; however, due to needing additional time to secure a $200,000 local match, the APO wants to push the project back until next year.

St. Cloud also proposes cutting the number of electric vehicle charging stations they plan to install. It was supposed to be five, with one each at Eastman Park, the YMCA, the Great River Regional Library, City Hall, and the Stearns History Museum, but due to changes in the agreement with Xcel Energy, St. Cloud will be solely responsible for EV infrastructure; thus, increasing the cost to complete the project. St. Cloud now wants to install just one charging station at the Stearns History Museum.

St. Cloud Metro Bus proposes to increase its operating assistance budget by $1.2 million locally and decrease its daily ride budget by about $225,000.

There are also questions about the future of the Northstar Commuter line.

To take the 13 question survey, click here.

APO staff will also host an in-person public input meeting at the Great River Regional Library from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11th.

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