The City Council on Monday asked Freeborn County Commissioners to reconsider its unfavorable stance regarding the proposed Bath Road interchange at Interstate 90.

Tuesday, October 26, 1999

The City Council on Monday asked Freeborn County Commissioners to reconsider its unfavorable stance regarding the proposed Bath Road interchange at Interstate 90.

In action earlier this month, county commissioners voted to not cooperate with the City Council and staff in the venture. Citing extensive costs and a lack of constituent support, the commissioners also voted 3-2 not to let the city and state proceed with the interchange without the county; Bath Road and County Road 20 are maintained by the county.

But the council is now asking the county to transfer control of County Road 20 and Bath Road to the city.

The council could then continue plans to add the interchange at a cost estimated at $3 million, most of which would come from state aid, said City Manager Paul Sparks.

&uot;This will give us control of the two roadways and the decision about the Bath Road Interchange,&uot; Sparks said before the council unanimously approved the request. &uot;We can now refer it to the county for their consideration.&uot;

The council was also not alone in the request Monday.

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce President Stephanie Brand and Greater Jobs, Inc. Vice President Pam Bishop also asked the commissioners to transfer control of the two urban roads, which would allow the county to spend affected state aid maintenance money on other rural roads.

Both organizations support the proposed interchange.

&uot;We would like to encourage the county to approve this,&uot; Brand said.

She said an interstate interchange at Bath Road will allow for increased development opportunities in northwest Albert Lea.

&uot;Greater Jobs, Inc. has long endorsed the plan,&uot; added Bishop. &uot;We’re very disappointed with the action the county has taken.

&uot;It’s important for the city and county commissioners to be aware that if we are going to be players in economic development, we need the infrastructure,&uot; she added. &uot;It is very important to attract development to the community. Land development along I-90 is crucial to attract further development.&uot;